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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.

Answer and Explanation

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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A. Maintain a cheerful and calm appearance while spending time with the client. B. Listen for changes in what the client hopes for and try to help meet the goals. C. Avoid the client having to make any decisions to help save the client's energy. D. Offer meals prepared with the client's favorite foods at frequent, regular intervals.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale:

A. A cheerful and calm appearance may not always align with the client's emotional needs and could feel insincere.

B. As the client nears the end of life, their hopes may shift, and it is crucial for the spouse to listen and help fulfill these evolving goals to provide comfort and maintain dignity.

C. Encouraging the client to make decisions as they are able can empower them, rather than avoiding decision-making.

D. Offering favorite foods is thoughtful but does not directly address the emotional and psychological aspects of hopelessness.

A. Discuss with the client that there may be a need for additional sleep if the feeling of fatigue is present the next day. B. Encourage the client to obtain a prescription for a benzodiazepine antagonist. C. Instruct the client that it is important to reduce the dose of the medication gradually. D. Advise the client to stop taking the medication immediately.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale:

A. While additional sleep may be helpful, it does not address the root cause of the hangover effect from temazepam.

B. A benzodiazepine antagonist is typically used in cases of overdose, not for managing next-day drowsiness.

C. Temazepam is a benzodiazepine, and sudden discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms. The nurse should advise the client to taper off the medication gradually under medical supervision to prevent withdrawal symptoms and minimize the "hangover" effect.

D. Stopping the medication abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and is not recommended.

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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)]

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Take full exam for free 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)]

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The home care nurse has identified the nursing problem, "risk for hopelessness" for a client who is terminally ill with a life expectancy of several days. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the client's spouse?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client taking temazepam informs the nurse of plans to quit taking the medication due to feelings of "hungover" the next day. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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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)]

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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)]