When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
Assess strength of deep tendon reflexes.
Determine apical pulse rate and rhythm.
Observe color and amount of urine.
Compare muscle strength bilaterally.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes is important in evaluating neuromuscular function, but it is not the most critical intervention for a client with hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia primarily affects cardiac function, so monitoring the heart is crucial.
Choice B rationale
Determining the apical pulse rate and rhythm is the most important intervention for a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L. Hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, and monitoring the heart rate and rhythm can help detect early signs of these complications.
Choice C rationale
Observing the color and amount of urine can provide information about kidney function and hydration status, but it is not the most critical intervention for hyperkalemia. The primary concern with hyperkalemia is its effect on the heart.
Choice D rationale
Comparing muscle strength bilaterally can help assess neuromuscular function, but it is not the most critical intervention for hyperkalemia. The focus should be on monitoring cardiac function to prevent life-threatening complications.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Advising the UAP to wear a standard face mask to obtain vital signs and then get fitted for a filter mask before providing personal care is not appropriate. The UAP should be properly equipped with the correct protective gear before any contact with the client.
Choice B rationale
Instructing the UAP that a standard face mask is sufficient to provide care for the assigned client is incorrect. Bacterial meningitis requires droplet precautions, and a standard face mask is sufficient for this type of precaution, not a particulate filter mask.
Choice C rationale
Sending the UAP to be fitted for a particulate filter mask immediately so the UAP can provide care to this client is unnecessary because bacterial meningitis requires droplet precautions, which only necessitate a standard surgical mask, not a particulate filter mask like an N953.
Choice D rationale
Before changing assignments, determining which staff members have fitted particulate filter masks is prudent but not necessary for caring for a client with bacterial meningitis under droplet precautions. The focus should be on ensuring the UAP understands that a standard mask is sufficient.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Determine client’s subjective measure of pain using a numerical pain scale. Assessing the client’s pain using a numerical pain scale allows the nurse to understand the client’s perception of their pain and to monitor changes over time. This is a crucial step in managing chronic pain as it provides a baseline for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.
Choice B rationale
Implement a 24-hour schedule of routine administration of prescribed analgesic. Chronic pain management often requires a consistent and routine administration of analgesics to maintain a stable level of pain control. This approach helps to prevent the peaks and troughs of pain that can occur with as-needed dosing.
Choice C rationale
Assist the client to ambulate as much as possible during waking hours. While ambulation can be beneficial for some clients, it may not be appropriate for all clients with chronic pain, especially if the pain is severe or if ambulation exacerbates the pain. Therefore, this intervention should be individualized based on the client’s condition.
Choice D rationale
Provide comfort measures such as topical warm application and tactile massage. Non- pharmacological interventions such as warm applications and massage can help to alleviate pain and improve comfort. These measures can be used in conjunction with pharmacological treatments to provide a more comprehensive approach to pain management.
Choice E rationale
Encourage increased fluid intake and measure urinary output every 8 hours. While maintaining adequate hydration is important, this intervention is not directly related to the management of chronic pain. It may be more relevant for clients with other conditions such as renal issues.