A client on digitalis has a lab report of potassium 3.0 mEq/L.
The nurse would instruct the client to eat which of these foods?
Asparagus.
Cantaloupe.
Blackberries.
Cucumbers.
Cucumbers.
The Correct Answer is B
The client on Digitalis has a low potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L, below the normal range of 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of digitalis toxicity, which can cause nausea, abdominal discomfort, visual changes, and cardiac arrhythmias.
The nurse would instruct the client to eat foods high in potassium, such as cantaloupe, to prevent or correct hypokalemia.
Choice A. Asparagus is wrong because asparagus is a low-potassium food that contains only 202 mg of potassium per cup.
Eating asparagus would not help to raise the client’s potassium level.
Choice C. Blackberries are wrong because blackberries are also a low-potassium food that contains only 233 mg of potassium per cup.
Eating blackberries would not help to raise the client’s potassium level.
Choice D. Cucumbers is wrong because cucumbers are a very low-potassium food that contains only 76 mg of potassium per cup.
Eating cucumbers would not help to raise the client’s potassium level and may even lower it further.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should first assess the client’s bladder for distention by palpating the lower abdomen between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus.
This can indicate urinary retention, which is a common postoperative complication. The nurse should also measure the bladder volume using a bladder scanner if available.
Choice B. Inform the surgeon that the client’s status is wrong because the nurse should first assess the client before notifying the surgeon.
The surgeon may order interventions based on the assessment findings.
Choice C. Increasing the client’s fluid intake is wrong because increasing fluid intake may worsen bladder distention and discomfort.
The nurse should encourage fluid intake only after ensuring adequate urinary output.
Choice D. Administering pain medication is wrong because pain medication may not be indicated for urinary retention.
Pain medication may also cause urinary retention by relaxing the bladder muscles and impairing the micturition reflex.
Normal urine output is about 30 mL per hour or 240 mL in eight hours.
The nurse should monitor the client’s intake and output and report any signs of urinary retention to the surgeon.
Urinary retention can lead to infection, bladder damage, and renal impairment if not treated promptly.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is the appropriate action because it prevents the spread of infection and maintains a clean environment.
The nurse should also wear gloves and dispose of the bag properly.
Choice A is wrong because saturating the dressing with saline before removing it can cause maceration of the skin and increase the risk of infection. The dressing should be removed gently and carefully, and if it is adhered to the wound, small amounts of sterile saline can be used to loosen it.
Choice C is wrong because using the old dressing to debride any tissue that is adhered to the wound can cause trauma, bleeding, and pain. The nurse should use sterile forceps or cotton- tipped applicators to gently press moistened gauze into the wound surfaces.
Choice D is wrong because reinserting the drain if removed with the dressing can cause injury and infection. The nurse should notify the surgeon immediately if the drain is accidentally removed.
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