Vits and Mins

Question 1

When giving IV calcium, the nurse needs to give it slowly. Which of the following is caused by rapid IV administration of calcium?

a) Tetany
b) Ototoxicity
c) Kidney damage
d) Cardiac dysrhythmias

Answer 1

d) Cardiac dysrhythmias

Question 2

Which laboratory tests should be assessed before the administration of vitamin K?

a) Prothrombin time and INR
b) RBC and WBC
c) Phosphorous and calcium levels
d) Total protein and albumin levels

Answer 2

a) Prothrombin time and INR

Question 3

For a patient who has severe intentional damage because of GI infection, which vitamin of mineral deficiency will the nurse need to assess for signs of damage?

a) Magnesium
b) Vit A (retinol)
c) Vit E (tocopherols)
d) Vit B12 (cyanocobalamin)

Answer 3

d) Vit B12 (cyanocobalamin)

Question 4

Which vitamin known to help wound healing will a patient with stage 4 pressure ulcers probably receive?

a) Vit K
b) Vit B1
c) Vit C
d) Vit D

Answer 4

c) Vit C

Question 5

While caring for a newly admitted patient who has a long history of alcoholism, which of the following vitamins should the nurse anticipate to be part of the patient’s medication regime?

a) Vit D
b) Vit C
c) Vit B1 (thiamine)
d) Vit B6 (pyridoxine)

Answer 5

c) Vit B1 (thiamine)

Question 6

Explain why patients with a cardiac history need a baseline ECG and serum calcium assessment preformed before the initiation of calcium supplemental therapy.

Answer 6

1. Hypercalcemia may lead to increased cardiac contractility in patients with a cardiac history. Even patients with no cardiac history may experience dysrhythmias and possible cardiac events (especially if there is an underlying cardiac disorder). Signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia include polyuria, apathy, depression, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diminished neural excitability, and increased cardiac contractility. The electrocardiogram (ECG [also abbreviated as EKG]) will help identify baseline cardiac conduction function (only limited capacity, though, because the ECG is a noninvasive picture of the electrical pathway of the heart) and any abnormalities that would indicate the cautious use of calcium supplementation. The serum calcium level helps identify a baseline for that patient’s medical picture before supplements are given.

Question 7

Your patient is experiencing constipation and abdominal pain since beginning calcium therapy. Your assessment reveals a distended abdomen and diminished bowel sounds. What could be occurring, and what should your nursing actions be at this time?

Answer 7

2. Hypercalcemia may be the cause behind the abdominal pain and constipation. High calcium levels may cause mild-to-severe constipation and possible intestinal obstruction resulting from atony caused by decreased neural excitability. The physician should be notified immediately, a head-to-toe assessment completed, and vital signs and bowel sounds documented.

Question 8

Zinc oxide i often used as a skin protectant in cases of diaper rash or even sun exposure, but why would a patient with a surgical wound or pressure ulcer benefit from doses of oral zinc during recovery?

Answer 8

3. Zinc, a trace element, plays an important role in the enzymatic metabolic reactions of both proteins and carbohydrates. It is especially important for tissue growth and repair and plays a major role in wound repair. Such a patient may also receive doses of vitamin C.