A client recovering from cardiac surgery experiences a dysrhythmia, noted on the telemetry monitor. Which assessment finding is most likely to have contributed to the development of the dysrhythmia? Reference Range: Total Calcium [8.4 to 10.6 mg/dL (2.10 to 2.50 mmol/L)] Sodium [136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L)] Potassium (K+) [3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)]

A. This calcium level is below the normal reference range (8.4 to 10.6 mg/dL or 2.10 to 2.50 mmol/L), indicating hypocalcemia. Calcium plays a crucial role in cardiac muscle contraction and electrical conduction. Low calcium levels can lead to various cardiac dysrhythmias, including prolonged QT intervals and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias. B. This potassium level falls within the normal range (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L or 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L). Potassium is essential for maintaining normal cardiac rhythm, but a level of 3.8 mg/dL is not abnormal and, therefore, is less likely to be the cause of a dysrhythmia compared to abnormal levels. C. This sodium level is within the normal reference range (136 to 145 mEq/L or 136 to 145 mmol/L). Sodium levels typically do not directly cause dysrhythmias unless they are extremely high or low, which is not the case here. Thus, a sodium level of 140 mEq/L is not likely to be the primary contributor to the dysrhythmia. D. This oxygen saturation level is considered normal (95% to 100%). While oxygenation is critical for overall heart function and can influence cardiac health, a saturation level of 97% is not likely to be a direct cause of a dysrhythmia, especially if it falls within the normal range.