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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Verifying the placement of the pulse oximeter is the first step to ensure the accuracy of the oxygen saturation reading. An incorrect placement can lead to inaccurate readings, and addressing this issue can help determine if further interventions are needed.
Choice B rationale
Increasing the oxygen to 3 L/minute may be necessary if the oxygen saturation remains low after verifying the pulse oximeter placement. However, this should be done after ensuring the accuracy of the initial reading.
Choice C rationale
Switching to a non-rebreather mask is not the immediate action to take. Non-rebreather masks deliver a high concentration of oxygen, typically reserved for severe hypoxia. The patient’s oxygen saturation is low, but not critically low.
Choice D rationale
Removing the nasal cannula is not appropriate as it would further decrease the oxygen supply to the patient. The goal is to improve oxygenation, not reduce it.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A urine specific gravity of 1.015 is within the normal range and does not indicate dehydration. Dehydration typically results in a higher urine specific gravity due to the concentration of solutes in the urine.
Choice B rationale
A urine specific gravity of 1.005 is lower than normal and indicates dilute urine, which is not consistent with dehydration. Dehydration would result in more concentrated urine with a higher specific gravity.
Choice C rationale
A urine specific gravity of 1.035 indicates highly concentrated urine, which is consistent with dehydration. When a client has a history of vomiting and diarrhea, they are likely to be dehydrated, leading to a higher urine specific gravity.
Choice D rationale
A urine specific gravity of 1.025 is slightly higher than normal but not as high as 1.035. While it may indicate some level of concentration, it is not as indicative of severe dehydration as a specific gravity of 1.035.