When monitoring a patient for signs of hypokalemia, the nurse looks for what early sign?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Muscle weakness is an early sign of hypokalemia. Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining proper muscle function, so low potassium levels can lead to muscle weakness and fatigue. As potassium is essential for nerve impulses and muscle contractions, a decrease in potassium can impair muscle strength and function. Therefore, when monitoring a patient for signs of hypokalemia, the nurse should look for muscle weakness as an early indicator. Seizures, cardiac dysrhythmias, and diarrhea are potential complications that can occur if hypokalemia is severe and left untreated.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct definition for absorption of a drug is the movement of a drug from the site of administration (e.g., mouth, skin, injection site) into the bloodstream and then to various tissues of the body. This process is a critical step in the pharmacokinetics of a drug, as it determines the rate and extent to which the drug reaches its target site of action. Absorption can be affected by various factors such as the route of administration, drug formulation, and physiological factors of the individual.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Digoxin belongs to the class of drugs known as cardiac glycosides. Cardiac glycosides are a group of compounds derived from plants and some animals that have the ability to increase the contractility of the heart muscle. Digoxin is commonly used to treat conditions such as congestive heart failure and irregular heart rhythms. It works by inhibiting the sodium-potassium pump in heart muscle cells, leading to an increase in intracellular calcium levels and subsequently improving the heart's pumping ability.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Patients taking Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors should avoid salt substitutes, foods high in potassium, and foods high in sodium. Salt substitutes often contain potassium chloride, which may cause an increase in potassium levels when combined with ACE inhibitors. Foods high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, spinach, and potatoes, can also potentially elevate potassium levels when consumed in large amounts. Additionally, foods high in sodium can counteract the effects of ACE inhibitors in managing blood pressure. Therefore, it is important for patients on ACE inhibitors to be mindful of their intake of salt substitutes, high-potassium foods, and high-sodium foods to ensure the effectiveness of their medication and to prevent any potential complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Digoxin is commonly used to treat atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation by helping to control the heart rate. A loading dose may be given initially to reach therapeutic levels quickly. This medication acts by increasing the force of the heart's contractions and slowing down the heart rate. Propranolol (Choice B) is a beta-blocker used to treat various heart conditions, but it is not typically used for atrial arrhythmias like atrial flutter. Ibuprofen (Choice C) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for pain and inflammation, not for cardiac arrhythmias. Lithium (Choice D) is a mood-stabilizing medication often used for bipolar disorder and is not indicated for atrial flutter treatment.