An older client is admitted to the medical-surgical unit after falling and fracturing the left hip. The nurse is reviewing written preoperative instructions with the client and spouse. Which action should the nurse implement while providing these instructions?
Turn the overhead lights on while giving instructions.
Stand behind the client to avoid intimidation.
Provide handouts written at a 12th grade reading level.
Use background music to promote relaxation.
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Turning on overhead lights ensures that the client can see the instructions clearly, which is particularly important for older adults who may have visual impairments. Adequate lighting helps improve comprehension and reduces the risk of misunderstandings.
B. Standing behind the client may cause confusion or discomfort. It is better to face the client while communicating.
C. Handouts should be written at a lower reading level, typically around the 5th to 6th grade, to ensure that most clients can understand them, especially older adults.
D. Background music may be distracting rather than helpful during the provision of important instructions.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. The combination of glucose and insulin is used to shift potassium into cells, which would lower serum potassium levels further; this is not appropriate for treating hypokalemia.
B. Increasing dietary intake of potassium is important but not sufficient to correct a serum potassium level as low as 2.5 mEq/L, which requires more immediate intervention.
C. A potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L is critically low and can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. The healthcare provider should be informed immediately to initiate potassium replacement therapy, likely via intravenous infusion.
D. Hourly urinary output measurements may be useful but are not the immediate priority in treating severe hypokalemia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Storing the remainder of the medication in a locked drawer is not appropriate for controlled substances that are not fully administered.
B. Lorazepam is a controlled substance, and any unused portion must be disposed of according to hospital policy, typically by discarding it with a witness. The presence of another nurse to witness the discarding process ensures proper documentation and compliance with legal regulations.
C. Withdrawing the medication into a syringe and labeling it is unsafe as it may lead to medication errors or misuse.
D. Simply throwing the vial into the trash, even with another nurse present, does not comply with the proper disposal procedure for controlled substances.