The client's laboratory results indicate that the serum potassium level is 2.5 mEq/L (2.5 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse take?
Reference Range: Potassium (K+) [3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)]
Prepare to administer a glucose, then insulin, then potassium infusion.
Instruct the client to increase daily intake of potassium rich foods.
Inform the healthcare provider of the need for potassium replacement.
Change the plan of care to include hourly urinary output measurements.
Change the plan of care to include hourly urinary output measurements.
The Correct Answer is C
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.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Elevating the head of the bed is important for swallowing and preventing aspiration but is secondary to ensuring correct patient identification.
B. Using at least two different methods to identify the client is the most important step to prevent medication errors. This ensures that the correct medication is given to the correct patient.
C. Providing water is helpful but not as critical as ensuring the correct patient is identified.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A.Dopamine, a sympathomimetic agent, can cause significant changes in blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure every 15 minutes is crucial to assess the client's response to the medication and to detect any adverse effects, such as hypertension or hypotension, promptly.
B.Monitoring CBC is important but not as immediately critical in this situation as monitoring blood pressure.
C.While reviewing creatinine and BUN results is important for overall kidney function, it is not the most immediate priority when administering dopamine for shock.
D. Measuring urinary output is important for assessing renal perfusion but should be done more frequently than daily in a client receiving dopamine for shock.