A client with a history of heart failure arrives at the emergency department describing an onset of fatigue and weakness.

The client has been taking spironolactone 50 mg tablets PO every day.

The nurse receives a report from the lab that the client has a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L (6.2 mmol/L). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Choice A rationale
Lamb’s wool is typically used for padding to prevent pressure sores and does not directly relate to the administration of oxygen therapy. Therefore, it is not necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice B rationale
Sterile water is used in oxygen therapy to provide humidification, which prevents the drying and irritation of the respiratory mucosa. Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice C rationale
Tape can be used to secure the oxygen delivery device, such as a nasal cannula, to the patient’s face. Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice D rationale
A suction canister is used to collect respiratory secretions during suctioning procedures, which may be necessary for patients with excessive secretions or difficulty clearing secretions.
Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice E rationale
A humidifier bottle is used in oxygen therapy to provide humidification, which prevents the drying and irritation of the respiratory mucosa. Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.

Choice F rationale
A nasal cannula is a device used to deliver supplemental oxygen to a patient who needs oxygen therapy. Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice G rationale
A flowmeter is used in oxygen therapy to control the rate of oxygen flow to the patient. Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.

Choice A rationale

Monitoring capillary refill distal to the infusion site is a general nursing intervention during IV therapy. However, it is not specific to the administration of a vesicant chemotherapeutic agent.

Choice B rationale
Applying a topical anesthetic at the infusion site for burning is not a standard intervention during the administration of a vesicant chemotherapeutic agent. The burning sensation is not due to the IV site but due to the vesicant agent itself.

Choice C rationale
Assessing the IV site frequently for signs of extravasation is the most appropriate intervention during the administration of a vesicant chemotherapeutic agent. Extravasation, the leakage of the vesicant into the surrounding tissue, can cause severe local tissue damage. Early detection and intervention are crucial to minimize harm.

Choice D rationale
While it is important to explain potential side effects to the client, explaining that temporary burning at the IV site may occur is not the most crucial intervention. The priority is to monitor for and prevent extravasation.