You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.
Quiz is loading...
You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.
You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:
Results
0 of 1 questions answered correctly
Your time:
Time has elapsed
You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)
Categories
Not categorized0%
1
Answered
Review
Question 1 of 1
1. Question
Which client is at risk for the development of a potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L (5.5 mmol/L)?
Correct
Option D is the correct answer.
Rationale: The normal potassium level is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L). A serum potassium level higher than 5.0 mEq/L (5.0 mmol/L) indicates hyperkalemia. Clients who experience cellular shifting of potassium in the early stages of massive cell destruction, such as with trauma, burns, sepsis, or metabolic or respiratory acidosis, are at risk for hyperkalemia. The client with Cushing’s syndrome or colitis and the client who has been overusing laxatives are at risk for hypokalemia.
Test-Taking Strategy: Eliminate the client with colitis and the client overusing laxatives first, because they are comparable or alike, with both reflecting a gastrointestinal loss. From the remaining options, recalling that cell destruction causes potassium shifts will assist in directing you to the correct option. Also, remember that Cushing’s syndrome presents a risk for hypokalemia and that Addison’s disease presents a risk for hyperkalemia.
Incorrect
Option D is the correct answer.
Rationale: The normal potassium level is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L). A serum potassium level higher than 5.0 mEq/L (5.0 mmol/L) indicates hyperkalemia. Clients who experience cellular shifting of potassium in the early stages of massive cell destruction, such as with trauma, burns, sepsis, or metabolic or respiratory acidosis, are at risk for hyperkalemia. The client with Cushing’s syndrome or colitis and the client who has been overusing laxatives are at risk for hypokalemia.
Test-Taking Strategy: Eliminate the client with colitis and the client overusing laxatives first, because they are comparable or alike, with both reflecting a gastrointestinal loss. From the remaining options, recalling that cell destruction causes potassium shifts will assist in directing you to the correct option. Also, remember that Cushing’s syndrome presents a risk for hypokalemia and that Addison’s disease presents a risk for hyperkalemia.
Potassium (K+)
Potassium plays an exchange role in maintaining acidbase balance.
The body changes the potassium level by drawing hydrogen ions into the cells or by pushing them out of the cells (potassium movement across cell membranes is facilitated by transcellular shifting in response to acid-base patterns).
The potassium level changes to compensate for hydrogen ion level change.
During acidosis, the body protects itself from the acidic state by moving hydrogen ions into the cells. Therefore, potassium moves out to make room for hydrogen ions and the potassium level increases.
During alkalosis, the cells release hydrogen ions into the blood in an attempt to increase the acidity of the blood; this forces the potassium into the cells and potassium levels decrease.
Precautions:
When the client experiences an acid-base imbalance, monitor the potassium level closely, because the potassium moves in or out of the cells in an attempt to maintain acid-base balance. The resulting hypokalemia or hyperkalemia predisposes the client to associated complications.
