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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Risk for infection is a concern for clients with neuropathy, as they may have reduced sensation and be unaware of injuries that can become infected. However, the primary concern in promoting foot care is preventing the occurrence of wounds or skin breakdown in the first place.
Choice B rationale
Self-care deficit is relevant for clients with neuropathy who may have difficulty performing foot care independently. However, the priority is to prevent skin breakdown and wounds, which can lead to more severe complications.
Choice C rationale
Impaired physical mobility is a common issue for clients with neuropathy, but it is not the primary concern for foot care. The focus should be on preventing skin breakdown and ensuring proper foot care to avoid complications.
Choice D rationale
Risk for impaired skin integrity is the priority for promoting foot care in clients with neuropathy. Neuropathy can compromise the ability to detect injuries or wounds on the feet, leading to unnoticed wounds that can become infected and cause serious complications.
Preventing skin breakdown and maintaining skin integrity is crucial in this scenario.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Negligence would require proof that the nurse failed to act in a manner consistent with their training and that this failure directly caused harm to the victim. In this case, the nurse provided assistance and then left the scene after EMS arrived, which does not constitute negligence.
Choice B rationale
Assault and battery involve intentional harm or offensive contact, which is not applicable in this scenario as the nurse was providing assistance.
Choice C rationale
The Good Samaritan laws are designed to protect individuals who provide assistance at the scene of an emergency from legal liability, provided they act in good faith and within the scope of their training. In this scenario, the nurse acted to help the victim and then left the scene after EMS arrived, which is generally protected under Good Samaritan laws.
Choice D rationale
Abandonment would require that the nurse left the victim without ensuring that they were in the care of another competent individual. Since the nurse left after EMS arrived, this does not constitute abandonment.