Exam PCCN Topic 1 Question 303 Discussion

Correct answer: Tall, tented T waves, nausea, decreased deep tendon reflexes Hyperkalemia is suspected in a patient with the following clinical presentations: Tall, tented T waves, nausea, and decreased deep tendon reflexes. Because potassium impacts normal cardiac and neuromuscular function, it is important to carefully monitor these systems when hyperkalemia is suspected. However, a patient may be experiencing hyperkalemia and have no ECG changes or other symptoms.
Inverted T waves are typically seen in hypokalemia. Nystagmus is an indication of hypomagnesemia.
Muscle weakness is a hallmark sign of hypokalemia in addition to abnormally low serum potassium levels. Polyuria, constipation, and renal calculi are typical of hypercalcemia due to increased calcium released from bone, increased calcium absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, and decreased excretion of calcium.
Reference:
Burns, Suzanne
M. AACN Essentials of Progressive Care Nursing, Fourth Edition. Pg 378-379.