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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Whether the popsicles contain pulp or fruit is not relevant to the clear liquid diet, which focuses on the clarity and digestibility of the liquids.
Choice B rationale
The color and flavor of gelatin used are important because certain colors, especially red or purple, can interfere with medical tests and are often avoided in clear liquid diets.
Choice C rationale
If the popsicles are completely frozen is not relevant to the dietary restrictions. The focus should be on the ingredients and their suitability for a clear liquid diet.
Choice D rationale
The number of popsicles available does not impact their suitability for the child’s diet. The nurse should focus on the content and appropriateness of the popsicles.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Completing an adverse occurrence/incident report is important if an incident occurs, but it does not address the immediate issue of improper restraint application. The priority is to correct the UAP’s action to prevent potential harm to the client.
Choice B rationale
Ensuring that the restraints are not too tight is important for the client’s safety and comfort, but it does not address the improper securing of the restraints to the bedside rails. The restraints should be secured to a movable part of the bed frame, not the rails.
Choice C rationale
Initiating the facility’s restraint flow sheet is necessary for documentation, but it does not address the immediate issue of improper restraint application. The priority is to correct the UAP’s action to prevent potential harm to the client.
Choice D rationale
Demonstrating proper securing of the restraints is the most important action because it educates the UAP and prevents potential complications such as injury, infection, or circulation impairment. The nurse should show the UAP how to secure the restraints to a movable part of the bed frame, not to the rails.