A client with acute renal injury (AKI) weighs 110.3 pounds (50 kg) and has a potassium level of 6.7 mEq/L (6.7 mmol/L) is admitted to the hospital. Which prescribed medication should the nurse administer first?

Reference Range:
Potassium [3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)]

Choice A reason: Fasting blood sugar of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) indicates hyperglycemia, which is a high level of glucose in the blood. It can be caused by diabetes mellitus, stress, infection, or medication. Hyperglycemia can cause symptoms such as thirst, hunger, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. However, it does not affect the safety or accuracy of MRI with contrast.

Choice B reason: Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c of 8% indicates poor glycemic control over the past three months. It can be caused by diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, or hemoglobinopathy. Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c reflects the average blood glucose level over the lifespan of red blood cells, which is about 120 days. However, it does not affect the safety or accuracy of MRI with contrast.

Choice C reason: Blood urea nitrogen of 22 mg/dL (7.9 mmol/L) indicates mild azotemia, which is a high level of nitrogenous waste products in the blood. It can be caused by dehydration, high protein intake, gastrointestinal bleeding, or kidney impairment. Azotemia can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, and lethargy. However, it does not affect the safety or accuracy of MRI with contrast.

Choice D reason: Serum creatinine of 1.9 mg/dL (169 umol/L) indicates moderate renal insufficiency, which is a reduced ability of the kidneys to filter and excrete waste products and fluids from the body. It can be caused by diabetes mellitus, hypertension, glomerulonephritis, or nephrotoxic drugs. Renal insufficiency can cause symptoms such as edema, anemia, electrolyte imbalance, and acidosis. It can also increase the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy, which is a sudden deterioration of kidney function after exposure to contrast media used for imaging studies such as MRI. Contrast-induced nephropathy can lead to acute kidney injury, dialysis requirement, or even death. Therefore, serum creatinine should be reported to the healthcare provider before MRI with contrast to assess the risk and benefit of the procedure and to take preventive measures such as hydration, medication adjustment, or alternative imaging modalities.

Choice A reason: Applying prescribed lotions to the radiation site is a good action for a client with cancer receiving external beam radiation, because it can help moisturize and protect the skin from irritation and breakdown. The client should follow the instructions of the health care provider regarding the type and frequency of lotion application. Therefore, this choice does not indicate a need for further teaching.

Choice B reason: Washing the radiation site with antibacterial soap and water is a bad action for a client with cancer receiving external beam radiation, because it can cause dryness, inflammation, and infection of the skin. The client should use mild soap and water or saline solution to gently cleanse the area without rubbing or scrubbing. Therefore, this choice indicates a need for further teaching.

Choice C reason: Wearing clothing to cover the radiation site is a good action for a client with cancer receiving external beam radiation, because it can help shield the skin from sun exposure and friction. The client should wear loose-fitting, soft, cotton clothing that does not irritate or constrict the area. Therefore, this choice does not indicate a need for further teaching.

Choice D reason: Drying the area with patting motions after taking a shower is a good action for a client with cancer receiving external beam radiation, because it can help prevent trauma and infection of the skin. The client should avoid rubbing or scratching the area or using hair dryers or heating pads on it. Therefore, this choice does not indicate a need for further teaching.