Electrolyte Imbalances and Drug Effects on EKG: Interactive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

Which serum potassium level range signifies severe hyperkalemia?

Accepted Answer

6.0-6.4 mEq/L

Answer

5.5-5.9 mEq/L

Answer

4.5-4.9 mEq/L

Answer

3.5-3.9 mEq/L

Question 2

Which medication commonly causes peaked T-waves on an EKG?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac Glycosides

Answer

Diuretics

Answer

Beta-Blockers

Answer

Calcium Channel Blockers

Question 3

Which EKG finding is typically associated with high potassium levels (hyperkalemia)?

Accepted Answer

Tall, pointed T waves

Answer

Shorter QT interval

Answer

Wider QRS complex

Answer

Absent P waves

Question 4

In an electrocardiogram (ECG), what finding is a hallmark of hyperkalemia?

Accepted Answer

Prominent, pointed T waves

Answer

Lengthened PR interval

Answer

Shortened QT interval

Answer

Widened QRS complex

Question 5

Which electrolyte imbalance causes tall, peaked T waves and a prolonged PR interval?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hypercalcemia

Answer

Hypocalcemia

Question 6

Which medication prolongs the QT interval on an EKG, potentially increasing the risk of arrhythmias?

Accepted Answer

Digoxin

Answer

Calcium gluconate

Answer

Heparin

Answer

Furosemide

Question 7

Which electrolyte imbalance is associated with a prolonged QT interval and peaked T waves on an EKG?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hypercalcemia

Answer

Hypocalcemia

Question 8

An EKG shows peaked T waves and a shortened PR interval. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hypercalcemia

Answer

Hypocalcemia

Question 9

Which medication slows down the heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Beta-Blockers

Answer

Sodium

Answer

Calcium Channel Blockers

Answer

Diuretics

Question 10

Which electrolyte imbalance is characterized by peaked T waves, a prolonged PR interval, and a widened QRS complex on an EKG?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hypercalcemia

Answer

Hypocalcemia

Question 11

Which EKG characteristic is NOT associated with hyperkalemia?

Accepted Answer

Narrow QRS complex

Answer

Tall, peaked T waves

Answer

Prolonged PR interval

Answer

Loss of P waves

Question 12

In an EKG, which finding is a characteristic of hyperkalemia?

Accepted Answer

Peaked T-waves

Answer

Narrow QRS complex

Answer

Shortened QT interval

Answer

Absence of P-waves

Question 13

Which electrolyte imbalance is characterized by tall, peaked T waves on an EKG?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hypermagnesemia

Answer

Hypocalcemia

Question 14

Which antiarrhythmic medication prolongs the QT interval on an EKG?

Accepted Answer

Amiodarone

Answer

Digoxin

Answer

Lidocaine

Answer

Metoprolol

Question 15

In severe hyperkalemia, which EKG finding indicates a critical level of potassium elevation and warrants immediate medical attention?

Accepted Answer

Sine wave pattern

Answer

Diminished P waves

Answer

Prolonged QRS complex

Answer

Peaked T waves

Question 16

Which medication can cause a prolonged QT interval, resulting in wider and more pointed T-waves on an EKG?

Accepted Answer

Digoxin

Answer

Lidocaine

Answer

Atenolol

Question 17

Which EKG finding is a sign of hyperkalemia?

Accepted Answer

Peaked T waves and prolonged PR interval

Answer

Shortened QT interval and widened QRS complex

Answer

Normal sinus rhythm and no significant EKG changes

Question 18

Which antiarrhythmics can prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias?

Accepted Answer

Digoxin

Accepted Answer

Amiodarone

Answer

Metoprolol

Question 19

Which EKG pattern is a hallmark of hyperkalemia?

Accepted Answer

Peaked T waves, prolonged PR interval, widened QRS complex

Answer

Shortened QT interval

Answer

Normal sinus rhythm

Answer

Narrow QRS complex

Question 20

Which EKG finding is a sign of digoxin toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged PR interval and widened QRS complex

Answer

Shortened PR interval and narrowed QRS complex

Answer

ST-segment depressions and T-wave inversions

Answer

Increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure

Question 21

For patients receiving beta-blockers, which EKG abnormality suggests an increased risk of serious heart complications?

Accepted Answer

Lengthened QT interval

Answer

Elevated heart rate

Answer

ST-segment elevation

Question 22

In an electrocardiogram (ECG), which finding is a characteristic of hypokalemia?

Accepted Answer

Peaked T waves

Answer

Prolonged PR interval

Answer

Shortened QT interval

Answer

Increased amplitude of P waves

Question 23

Which medication can cause peaked T waves on an EKG?

Accepted Answer

Digoxin

Answer

Amiodarone

Answer

Calcium channel blockers

Question 24

In hypomagnesemia, which EKG finding is commonly observed? How does this finding affect cardiac function?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged PR interval and shortened QT interval; increased risk of arrhythmias

Answer

Shortened PR interval and prolonged QT interval; decreased risk of arrhythmias

Answer

Normal PR interval and prolonged QRS complex; no impact on cardiac function

Answer

Shortened PR interval and shortened QRS complex; improved cardiac function

Question 25

In managing patients with electrolyte imbalances, which nursing considerations and patient education strategies are crucial?

Accepted Answer

Regular electrolyte level monitoring, dietary guidance on sodium and potassium intake, and fluid intake encouragement as prescribed.

Answer

Medication administration without regard to electrolyte levels, focusing only on symptom management.

Answer

Patient education solely on activity restrictions, excluding medication adherence and dietary modifications.

Question 26

Why are potassium-sparing diuretics used in patients at risk of hypokalemia? Describe the intended outcomes of this treatment.

Accepted Answer

To maintain fluid volume while preventing potassium loss.

Answer

To increase potassium excretion, reducing the risk of hyperkalemia.

Answer

To correct acidosis caused by potassium depletion.

Answer

To enhance sodium reabsorption, improving sodium balance.

Question 27

In severe hyperkalemia, the EKG may not exhibit any distinctive changes. Which of the following is a characteristic of this condition?

Accepted Answer

Absence of specific findings

Answer

Prominent T waves

Answer

Abbreviated PR interval

Question 28

What is a potential adverse effect of diuretics on the EKG?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Hypotension

Question 29

Why is interdisciplinary collaboration crucial in managing patients with electrolyte imbalances and drug-induced EKG changes?

Accepted Answer

Provides a comprehensive approach to patient care, leveraging diverse expertise

Answer

Enhances patient communication and satisfaction

Answer

Improves efficiency in patient care processes

Question 30

In hyperkalemia, which EKG change is characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Prominent T waves

Answer

Narrowed QRS complex

Answer

Absent P waves

Answer

Increased QT interval

Question 31

What is the primary EKG effect of digitalis toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Atrioventricular block

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Ventricular arrhythmias

Question 32

To detect EKG changes related to electrolyte imbalances, the initial step is:

Accepted Answer

Identify EKG change patterns

Answer

Measure serum electrolyte levels

Answer

Correlate with patient symptoms

Answer

Determine the underlying cause

Question 33

Which drug can prolong the QRS complex on an EKG?

Accepted Answer

Digoxin

Answer

Atropine

Answer

Propranolol

Answer

Dopamine

Question 34

What does a widened QRS complex without other EKG changes usually imply?

Accepted Answer

Conduction disorder

Answer

Myocardial infarction

Answer

Normal finding

Answer

Electrolyte imbalance

Question 35

How does sodium bicarbonate act as an antidote for hyperkalemia?

Accepted Answer

Shifts potassium ions intracellularly, decreasing serum potassium levels.

Answer

Increases glomerular filtration rate, enhancing potassium excretion.

Answer

Binds to potassium ions, forming an insoluble complex excreted by the kidneys.

Question 36

How do antiarrhythmic medications potentially affect the EKG, and how do these effects impact treatment choices and ongoing patient monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk of torsades de pointes.

Answer

Shorten the PR interval, leading to a faster heart rate.

Answer

Widen the QRS complex, indicating possible myocardial ischemia.

Answer

Elevate the ST segment, suggesting myocardial infarction.

Question 37

In managing electrolyte imbalances and drug-induced EKG changes, what is the role of advanced practice nurses (APNs)?

Accepted Answer

APNs collaborate with physicians to manage electrolyte imbalances and interpret drug-induced EKG changes.

Answer

APNs independently manage electrolyte imbalances and drug-induced EKG changes without consulting physicians.

Answer

APNs are not involved in managing electrolyte imbalances and drug-induced EKG changes.

Answer

APNs lack the expertise to interpret drug-induced EKG changes and manage electrolyte imbalances.

Question 38

Which of the following is the most common cause of hypokalemia?

Accepted Answer

Diarrhea

Answer

Renal failure

Answer

Hyperthyroidism

Answer

Addison's disease

Question 39

Administration of which medication has the potential to prolong the QT interval?

Accepted Answer

Digoxin

Answer

Insulin

Answer

Saline

Answer

Ibuprofen

Question 40

A serum K+ level greater than 5.3 mEq/L is indicative of:

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hypernatremia

Answer

Hyponatremia

Question 41

What is the primary responsibility of a medical assistant in managing electrolyte imbalances?

Accepted Answer

Recognizing electrolyte abnormalities

Answer

Prescribing medications

Answer

Administering electrolyte replacement therapies

Answer

Monitoring patient responses to treatment

Question 42

What is the primary effect of digitalis on the EKG?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged PR interval and shortened QRS complex

Answer

Increased heart rate

Answer

Shortened QRS duration

Answer

Decreased T wave amplitude

Question 43

What is the most common EKG finding in hypokalemia?

Accepted Answer

Flattened T waves and prominent U waves

Answer

Prominent U waves

Answer

Prolonged ST segment

Answer

Shortened QRS duration

Question 44

Which medication is known for its antiarrhythmic effects and can cause a prolonged QT interval?

Accepted Answer

Quinidine

Answer

Aspirin

Answer

Heparin

Answer

Morphine

Question 45

What is the primary nursing intervention when monitoring a patient with hyperkalemia?

Accepted Answer

Monitor potassium levels closely and protect the patient from injury

Answer

Administer diuretics

Answer

Rest the patient and avoid exertion

Answer

Give bicarbonate infusions

Question 46

What is the significance of a shortened PR interval on the EKG?

Accepted Answer

Possible atrial tachycardia

Answer

Normal sinus rhythm

Answer

Heart block

Answer

Ventricular tachycardia

Question 47

When interpreting an EKG for electrolyte imbalances, which of the following lead placements is most helpful for evaluating the QRS complex?

Accepted Answer

Lead V1

Answer

Lead I

Answer

Lead II

Answer

Lead aVF

Question 48

Which drug combination can cause increased potassium levels, potentially leading to peaked T waves and prolonged PR intervals on an EKG?

Accepted Answer

ACE inhibitors and potassium-sparing diuretics

Answer

Warfarin and digoxin

Answer

Calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers

Answer

Loop diuretics and thiazide diuretics

Question 49

In managing patients with electrolyte imbalances and drug-induced EKG changes, how do healthcare professionals from different fields collaborate to improve patient outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Pharmacists adjust medications, nurses administer them and monitor patients, while doctors oversee care.

Answer

Doctors handle these cases alone, as their expertise is enough.

Answer

Respiratory therapists only help patients with breathing problems caused by electrolyte imbalances.

Answer

Dietitians play no part in managing electrolyte imbalances.

Question 50

Distinguish between the EKG manifestations of hyperkalemia and hypocalcemia. Explain how these contrasting EKG findings aid in differentiating between these conditions.

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia: Peaked T waves and prolonged PR interval; Hypocalcemia: Prolonged QT interval

Answer

Hyperkalemia: Shortened QT interval and ST-segment elevation; Hypocalcemia: Shortened PR interval and ST-segment depression

Answer

Hyperkalemia: Prolonged QT interval and ST-segment depression; Hypocalcemia: Shortened QT interval and ST-segment elevation

Answer

Hyperkalemia: Shortened PR interval and peaked T waves; Hypocalcemia: Peaked T waves and prolonged PR interval

Question 51

How does patient education empower individuals to effectively manage electrolyte imbalances and drug-induced EKG alterations?

Accepted Answer

It encourages patient involvement and improves adherence to treatment plans.

Answer

Patients are not involved in managing their own care.

Answer

Patient education only involves providing information about conditions and medications.

Answer

It eliminates the need for professional healthcare interventions.

Question 52

Along with observing EKG changes, why is it essential to consider clinical symptoms and laboratory values when diagnosing electrolyte imbalances?

Accepted Answer

Laboratory values can confirm the presence and severity of electrolyte imbalances, even when EKG changes are not evident.

Answer

Clinical symptoms can provide more specific information about the underlying cause of the electrolyte imbalance compared to EKG changes.

Answer

EKG changes are only reliable for diagnosing severe electrolyte imbalances.

Question 53

Which of the following changes in the electrocardiogram (EKG) is typically seen with hyperkalemia?

Accepted Answer

Peaked T waves

Answer

Widened QRS complex

Answer

Flattened P waves

Answer

Shortened QT interval

Question 54

In hypokalemia, the presence of which EKG finding indicates a heightened risk of cardiac arrhythmias?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged QT interval

Answer

U waves

Answer

ST depression

Answer

T wave inversion

Question 55

Which class of medications commonly used to treat supraventricular arrhythmias can also cause QT prolongation?

Accepted Answer

Antiarrhythmics

Answer

Beta-blockers

Answer

Calcium channel blockers

Answer

Diuretics

Question 56

What is the primary rationale for administering intravenous calcium gluconate to a patient with hyperkalemia as reflected on their EKG?

Accepted Answer

To stabilize the cardiac rhythm

Answer

To lower the potassium level

Answer

To prevent seizures

Answer

To reduce muscle spasms

Question 57

Which of the following is a common symptom of hypokalemia?

Accepted Answer

Muscle weakness

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Polyuria

Question 58

Which electrolyte imbalance is associated with an increased risk of Torsades de Pointes?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hypocalcemia

Answer

Hypermagnesemia

Question 59

In the management of severe hypokalemia, what is the preferred initial treatment?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous potassium chloride

Answer

Oral potassium supplements

Answer

Magnesium sulfate

Answer

Sodium bicarbonate

Question 60

A prolonged QT interval on an EKG is associated with:

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Electrolyte imbalances

Question 61

Which of the following EKG changes is indicative of hyperkalemia?

Accepted Answer

Tall, peaked T waves and widened QRS complex

Answer

Flat T waves and shortened QRS complex

Answer

Absence of P waves and tall R waves

Answer

Inverted T waves and prolonged QTc interval

Question 62

A patient with hypokalemia presents with an EKG showing U waves and ST segment depression. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

Administer potassium supplements as ordered by the physician.

Answer

Insert a nasogastric tube for nutritional support.

Answer

Increase the patient's intake of intravenous fluids.

Question 63

Which of the following is a common EKG finding in patients with hypocalcemia?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged QT interval

Answer

Shortened PR interval

Answer

Inverted P waves

Answer

Elevated ST segment

Question 64

A patient taking digoxin develops an EKG showing ventricular bigeminy. Which of the following is the most likely underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hypermagnesemia

Answer

Hypocalcemia

Answer

Hypokalemia