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 A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Administering insulin per sliding scale is appropriate for managing elevated blood glucose in a patient who is NPO and cannot take oral hypoglycemics like metformin.
B. Repeating the test in one hour delays necessary treatment and does not address the current hyperglycemia.
C. A continuous IV infusion of insulin is more appropriate for severe hyperglycemia or critical care situations, but obtaining a sliding scale prescription is more routine in this context.
D. Administering metformin with a sip of water could be considered if the provider orders it, but typically, oral hypoglycemics are held when a patient is NPO.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Clamping the catheter before irrigation is not recommended as it could cause urine retention and increase the risk of infection.
B. An infusion pump is not typically used for catheter irrigation as manual control is preferred for monitoring flow and pressure.
C. Using a sterile syringe to gently irrigate the catheter with 20 mL of normal saline is the correct approach. This method helps to clear fibrin clots and sediment without applying excessive pressure, which could damage the bladder or catheter.
D. Power flushing with 60 mL could apply excessive pressure, potentially causing trauma to the bladder or urethra.