A client has a serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. Which action prescribed by the health care provider should the nurse take first?
Ask the patient about home insulin doses
Administer IV potassium supplements
Place the patient on a cardiac monitor
Start an insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/h
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: This statement is false. Asking the patient about home insulin doses is not the action that the nurse should take first. Insulin is a hormone that lowers the blood glucose level and can also lower the blood potassium level by driving potassium into the cells. However, this is not the primary cause of hypokalemia, or low blood potassium level, which can be due to other factors such as diuretics, vomiting, diarrhea, or alkalosis.
Choice B reason: This statement is true. Administering IV potassium supplements is the action that the nurse should take first. Potassium is an electrolyte that is essential for the normal function of the heart, muscles, and nerves. Hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and paralysis. IV potassium supplements can restore the blood potassium level and prevent life-threatening complications.
Choice C reason: This statement is false. Placing the patient on a cardiac monitor is not the action that the nurse should take first. A cardiac monitor is a device that records the electrical activity of the heart and can detect any abnormal rhythms or conduction problems. It is a useful tool for monitoring the patient's cardiac status, but it does not treat the underlying cause of hypokalemia.
Choice D reason: This statement is false. Starting an insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/h is not the action that the nurse should take first. Insulin infusion is a method of delivering insulin continuously through a pump or a catheter. It is used for patients with diabetes who need tight glucose control. It can also lower the blood potassium level by driving potassium into the cells. However, this is not t
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Eating a piece of pizza is not a good option for the student. Pizza is a complex carbohydrate that contains fat and protein, which can delay the absorption of glucose and cause unpredictable blood sugar levels. The student needs a simple carbohydrate that can quickly raise her blood sugar level, such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, or candy.
Choice B reason: Taking an extra dose of rapid-acting insulin is a dangerous option for the student. Insulin lowers the blood sugar level, and the student already has symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), such as headache, vision changes, and anxiety. Taking more insulin can worsen her condition and cause seizures, coma, or death.
Choice C reason: Eating 15 g of simple carbohydrates is the best option for the student. Simple carbohydrates are easily digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, and can raise the blood sugar level within 15 minutes. The student should eat 15 g of simple carbohydrates, such as four glucose tablets, half a cup of fruit juice, or three pieces of hard candy, and then check her blood sugar level if possible.
Choice D reason: Drinking some diet pop is not a helpful option for the student. Diet pop does not contain any sugar or calories, and will not affect the blood sugar level. The student needs a source of glucose to treat her hypoglycemia, and diet pop will not provide that.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is false. A sugar-water pacifier does not help the vaccination be more effective. Vaccinations are effective because they stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against a specific disease.
Choice B reason: This statement is false. A sugar-water pacifier does not prevent hypoglycemia from the stress of the injection. Hypoglycemia is a condition where the blood sugar level is too low, which can cause symptoms such as sweating, trembling, confusion, or seizures. A sugar-water pacifier does not provide enough glucose to prevent hypoglycemia.
Choice C reason: This statement is false. A sugar-water pacifier does not provide additional calories to prevent malnourishment. Malnourishment is a condition where the body does not get enough nutrients, such as protein, vitamins, and minerals, to function properly. A sugar-water pacifier does not provide enough nutrients to prevent malnourishment.
Choice D reason: This statement is true. A sugar-water pacifier soothes and distracts the infant from pain. Sugar-water has a sweet taste that activates the endorphin system, which reduces pain perception. A pacifier also provides oral stimulation and comfort, which distracts the infant from the pain of the injection.
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