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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Applying antibiotic ointment is not appropriate for this situation as the issue is likely compromised blood flow, not infection.
B. Checking oxygen saturation is not related to the color change of the stoma.
C. Switching to non-latex supplies is important for clients with latex allergies but is not relevant to the immediate problem.
D. A dark red to bluish color of the stoma suggests compromised blood flow and possible ischemia, which requires immediate medical attention. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately to address this potentially serious complication.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Applying pressure proximal to the IV site is not appropriate and could cause further complications.
B. Assessing the radial pulse is important but is not the immediate response to the occlusion alarm.
C. Straightening the arm can help relieve a positional occlusion, which is a common cause of such alarms.
D. Elevating the arm may help with venous return but is not a first-line action for addressing the occlusion alarm.