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
Requesting removal initiated by the Health Information Manager is not necessary in this scenario. The focus should be on accurately documenting the missed occurrence rather than removing previously entered documentation. This approach does not address the need to document the 0900 occurrence.
Choice B rationale
Creating an electronic correction after 1400 notes are officially unlocked implies that there was an error in the original documentation. Since the issue here is not correcting an error but rather adding missed documentation, creating a correction may not be appropriate.
Choice C rationale
Entering the occurrence after the 1400 notes and identifying it as a “late entry” is an option, but it may not provide sufficient clarity regarding the timing of the documentation. Using a “late entry” label could potentially lead to confusion or misinterpretation.
Choice D rationale
Making an electronic addendum following the 1400 documentation is the best approach. An electronic addendum allows the nurse to add additional information to the chart without altering the original entry. This approach maintains the integrity of the original documentation while clearly indicating that the 0900 occurrence was added after the fact. It ensures accuracy and transparency in the medical record.
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.