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    Med Surg 2 Proctored ExamQuestion 34
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    Med Surg 2 Proctored Exam

    Which lab value would be most likely to cause the following dysthymia?

    Explanation & Rationale

    A. Ca 12: Hypercalcemia can cause shortened QT intervals and may lead to arrhythmias such as bradyarrhythmias or heart block, but it is not typically associated with the wide, chaotic, and rapid ventricular rhythm seen in the image (torsades de pointes). B. K+ 26: A potassium level of 26 mEq/L is not physiologically compatible with life; severe hyperkalemia does increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, but the value itself is beyond survivable limits and unlikely in a living patient. Arrhythmias from hyperkalemia include peaked T waves, widened QRS, and eventual sine-wave pattern leading to asystole. C. Mag 1.1: Hypomagnesemia (normal magnesium 1.7–2.2 mg/dL) can precipitate ventricular arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes, which is characterized by a rapid, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia pattern as shown in the image. Magnesium is essential for stabilizing myocardial cell membranes and low levels significantly increase cardiac excitability. D. Mag 3.1: Hypermagnesemia generally depresses neuromuscular and cardiac conduction, leading to bradycardia, hypotension, and potentially heart block or cardiac arrest, rather than the rapid, chaotic ventricular tachyarrhythmia depicted.

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