Nursing Prioritization Delegation Assignment Q 65

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The monitor watcher from the telemetry units informs the assigned nurse that the client developed prominent U waves. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor?

  

     A. Sodium level

     B. Potassium level

     C. Calcium level

     D. Magnesium level

    

    

Correct Answer: B. Potassium level

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The nurse should immediately check the client’s potassium level for hypokalemia. Common ECG changes with hypokalemia include ST depression, inverted T waves, and prominent U waves. Heart block may also transpire to clients with hypokalemia.

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Option A: Increased and decreased serum sodium levels do not have any effect on the ECG, nor cardiac rhythm, or impulse conduction.

Option C: Common ECG changes due to hypercalcemia include shortened QT interval, lengthened QRS duration, and bradycardia may also occur. Hypocalcemia may cause lengthened QT interval and shortened QRS duration.

Option D: Hypermagnesemia is rare but severe hypermagnesemia may cause atrioventricular and intraventricular conduction disturbances, which may culminate in third-degree AV block or asystole.

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