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. Withdrawing and reinserting the NGT should only be done if the tube is misplaced or dislodged.
B. Sending the fluid to the lab is unnecessary unless there is a specific concern, such as infection.
C. Connecting the NGT to wall suction should only be done after confirming proper placement.
D. Determining the pH value of the aspirated fluid helps verify that the NGT is correctly positioned in the stomach. Gastric fluid typically has a pH of 1 to 5, confirming proper placement.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A stage 2 pressure injury is more than just erythema; it involves partial-thickness skin loss.
B. A stage 2 pressure injury presents as a shallow open ulcer with a red or pink wound bed, indicating partial-thickness loss of dermis.
C. A deep pocket of infection and necrotic tissue describes a stage 3 or 4 pressure injury, not stage 2.
D. Visible subcutaneous tissue and sloughing are characteristics of stage 3 or 4 pressure injuries, not stage 2.