A client is receiving intravenous (IV) potassium replacement therapy.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent complications?
Monitoring urine output every 8 hours.
Administering potassium via a bolus injection.
Administering potassium at a rate no faster than 10-20 mEq/hour.
Encouraging the client to eat potassium-rich foods.
The Correct Answer is C
This is because intravenous potassium supplementation is indicated for patients with profound hypokalemia (plasma K+ <2.5 mmol/L) or cardiac arrhythmia. The rate of infusion should not exceed 10 mmol/hour to prevent complications such as hyperkalemia, cardiac arrhythmias, and phlebitis.
Choice A is wrong because monitoring urine output every 8 hours is not sufficient to prevent complications from intravenous potassium replacement therapy.
Urine output should be monitored more frequently (at least every 4 hours) to assess renal function and fluid balance.
Choice B is wrong because administering potassium via a bolus injection is dangerous and can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Potassium should never be given by intravenous push or intramuscular injection.
Choice D is wrong because encouraging the client to eat potassium-rich foods is not appropriate for patients receiving intravenous potassium replacement therapy.
Oral potassium supplementation is preferred for patients with mild to moderate hypokalemia (plasma K+ 2.5-3.5 mmol/L) who can eat and absorb oral potassium.
Potassium-rich foods include potatoes, legumes, juices, seafood, leafy greens, dairy, tomatoes and bananas.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["23"]
Explanation
The correct answer is 22.5 mL.
To find the amount of mL, use the formula: (desired dose / available dose) x available volume.
In this case, desired dose = 30 mEq, available dose = 20 mEq, and available volume = 15 mL.
Plug these values into the formula: (30 mEq / 20 mEq) x 15 mL = 22.5 mL.
However, since the instructions say to round to the nearest whole number for adult clients, the final answer is 23 mL.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Oral potassium supplements can cause stomach irritation or laxative effect if taken without enough fluid or food.
Taking the medication with food or a full glass of water can help prevent these side effects and improve absorption.
Choice B is wrong because taking the medication on an empty stomach with a sip of water can increase the risk of stomach irritation or laxative effect and reduce absorption.
Choice C is wrong because taking the medication with milk or antacids can interfere with the absorption of potassium and cause hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels).
Choice D is wrong because taking the medication with grapefruit juice can also interfere with the absorption of potassium and cause hyperkalemia.
Grapefruit juice can also interact with some medications that affect potassium levels, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and potassium- sparing diuretics.
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