Author Question: The nurse is caring for a client with congestive heart failure who is admitted to the ... (Read 123 times)

bcretired · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse is caring for a client with congestive heart failure who is admitted to the medical-surgical unit with acute hypokalemia.

Which medication on the client's medication administration record may have contributed to the client's current hypokalemic state?
A) Demerol
B) Cortisol
C) Hydrochlorothiazide
D) Skelaxin

Question 2

The nurse is planning care for a client admitted to the unit with dehydration. The client's lab values indicate a low level of serum sodium.

Based on the assessment finding, the nurse determines an appropriate nursing diagnosis to be electrolyte imbalance. Which medical condition supports this nursing diagnosis?
A) Isotonic dehydration
B) Hydrostatic pressure
C) Hypotonic dehydration
D) Osmotic pressure

ecabral0 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: B

Excess potassium loss through the kidneys is often caused by such medications as corticosteroids, potassium-wasting (loop) diuretics, amphotericin B, and large doses of some antibiotics. Cortisol is a type of corticosteroid and can cause hypokalemia. Thiazide diuretics, narcotics, and muscle relaxers would not bring about potassium loss to cause hypokalemia.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: C

Hypotonic dehydration occurs when fluid loss is characterized by a proportionately greater loss of sodium than water, causing serum sodium to fall below normal levels. Isotonic dehydration occurs when fluid loss is not balanced by intake, and the losses of water and sodium are in proportion. Hydrostatic pressure occurs when extracellular fluid volume excess occurs; the increased fluid volume in the vascular compartment congests the veins. Osmotic pressure pulls fluid into the capillaries, usually in response to the presence of albumin and other plasma proteins made by the liver.