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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Puts on new gloves when entering a client’s room. This action demonstrates an understanding of standard precautions, which are designed to reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms from both recognized and unrecognized sources of infection. By putting on new gloves when entering a client’s room, the UAP is ensuring that they are not transferring any pathogens from one environment to another, thereby protecting both themselves and the client.
Choice B rationale
Uses sterile gloves when handling body fluids. While it is important to use gloves when handling body fluids, sterile gloves are not necessary unless performing a sterile procedure. Standard gloves are sufficient for most tasks involving body fluids, and the use of sterile gloves in these situations would be an unnecessary use of resources.
Choice C rationale
Keeps a pair of gloves in uniform pocket. This practice is not recommended as it can lead to contamination of the gloves. Gloves should be stored in a clean, dry place and should be taken from the box immediately before use. Keeping gloves in a pocket can expose them to contaminants, which can then be transferred to the client.
Choice D rationale
Dons sterile gloves when caring for clients with HIV. HIV is not transmitted through casual contact, and standard gloves are sufficient for routine care of clients with HIV. Sterile gloves are only necessary for sterile procedures, regardless of the client’s HIV status.
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.