An ECG technician is performing an ECG on a hospital patient who has developed hypokalemia secondary to diuretic use. Which of the following manifestations of the client's health problem will the technician anticipate on the ECG?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: A prominent U wave and a flattened T wave. Hypokalemia results in low potassium levels, affecting the heart's electrical activity. Prominent U waves and flattened T waves are typical ECG findings in hypokalemia due to delayed repolarization. A: Irregular heart rate and a peaked T wave are not typical manifestations of hypokalemia on an ECG. B: A low T wave and an absent P wave are not characteristic ECG findings in hypokalemia. D: A narrow QRS complex and an absent U wave are not typical ECG findings in hypokalemia.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Provide hypertonic saline slowly. In this scenario, the patient has hyponatremia (low serum sodium level), which can lead to neurological symptoms like confusion and muscle cramps. The treatment goal is to increase sodium levels gradually to avoid complications such as osmotic demyelination syndrome. Hypertonic saline is the appropriate choice as it will raise sodium levels effectively without causing rapid shifts that can be harmful. Isotonic saline (choice A) may not provide enough sodium correction, fluid restriction (choice B) may worsen symptoms, and encouraging high-sodium foods (choice D) may not be sufficient or controlled.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is option D: "That will decrease your metabolic rate and make weight loss more difficult." Fasting for an extended period, such as two weeks, will indeed slow down the body's metabolic rate. When the body is deprived of food for a prolonged period, it goes into a survival mode where it conserves energy by decreasing the metabolic rate. This adaptive response is a natural mechanism to protect the body from starvation. As a result, weight loss becomes more challenging as the body holds on to its energy stores. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they all provide misinformation that fasting for a long period is an effective or beneficial way to lose weight. Encouraging such behavior can be dangerous and lead to various health risks, including nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, weakened immunity, and even organ damage. Rapid weight loss through extreme measures like prolonged fasting is not sustainable and can have detrimental effects on overall health. From an educational standpoint, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of adopting healthy and sustainable weight loss practices, such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and lifestyle modifications. Educating patients about the negative consequences of extreme weight loss methods can help them make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Promoting a gradual and realistic approach to weight loss is key to long-term success and overall health maintenance.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is option C) 25.1. BMI is calculated by dividing the weight of the individual (in kilograms) by the square of their height (in meters). In this case, the patient weighs 180 pounds, which is approximately 81.65 kg, and has a height of 5 feet 11 inches, which is approximately 1.803 meters. When we divide 81.65 by (1.803)^2, we get a BMI of approximately 25.1. Option A) 18.5 is incorrect because it is a lower BMI value, indicating underweight. Option B) 20.3 is also incorrect as it falls within the normal weight range, but the correct BMI for this patient is slightly higher. Option D) 28.2 is incorrect as it represents a BMI in the overweight range, which is not the case for this patient. Understanding BMI is crucial in assessing an individual's nutritional status and risk for various health conditions. It is a valuable tool for healthcare professionals to evaluate and monitor patients' overall health and nutritional needs. By calculating BMI, healthcare providers can identify individuals who may be underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese, and tailor interventions accordingly to promote better health outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Continue with care; this is a normal fluid intake. A daily fluid intake of 2,000 mL falls within the normal adult range of 1,500-2,500 mL, indicating the patient is adequately hydrated. It is crucial for nurses to understand normal fluid intake ranges to avoid unnecessary interventions like forcing fluids (option A), which could lead to fluid overload. Asking the patient to drink more water (option B) is unnecessary and could potentially disrupt the patient's normal fluid balance. Posting a sign limiting fluids to 1,000 mL (option C) would be incorrect and could harm the patient's health by restricting adequate hydration. Understanding normal fluid intake ranges is essential in providing appropriate patient care, ensuring optimal hydration without causing harm.