A client’s bloodwork indicates that he has severe hypokalemia.
What is a priority nursing intervention?

Place the client on a cardiac monitor.

Administer a laxative as ordered.

Place the client on seizure precautions.

Restrict high potassium foods.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

This is because hypokalemia (low potassium level in the blood) can cause abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia) that can be life-threatening and require urgent medical attention. A cardiac monitor can help detect and treat any arrhythmia that may occur.

Choice B is wrong because administering a laxative can worsen hypokalemia by causing more potassium loss through the digestive tract. Laxative use is one of the possible causes of hypokalemia.

Choice C is wrong because placing the client on seizure precautions is not a priority intervention for hypokalemia. Seizures are not a common symptom of hypokalemia, although muscle weakness and cramps may occur.

Choice D is wrong because restricting high potassium foods is not a priority intervention for hypokalemia. In fact, increasing potassium intake through foods or supplements may be helpful in less serious cases of hypokalemia. However, this should be done according to the doctor’s recommendation and with careful monitoring of blood potassium levels.

Normal blood potassium levels for an adult range from 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A very low potassium level (less than 2.5 mmol/L) can be life threatening.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

This is an example of secondary prevention, which is the action taken to stop the progress of the disease at the initial stage and prevent complications. An echocardiogram can help diagnose the severity and cause of heart failure and guide the treatment plan.

A client who has a family history of breast cancer and is scheduled for a mammogram is an example of secondary prevention. Secondary prevention is early detection of a disease before it progresses. Secondary prevention can include screenings and other forms of diagnostic tests.

This is an example of tertiary prevention, which is the action taken to stop the progress of the disease at the initial stage and prevent complication. An echocardiogram can help diagnose the severity and cause of heart failure and guide the treatment plan.

Choice C is wrong because it is not an example of any level of prevention.

A client who is asymptomatic is not scheduled for a series of tests because there is no indication of any disease or risk factor.

Choice D is wrong because it is an example of primary prevention, which is the action taken to prevent the development of disease.

A client who is scheduled to receive an influenza vaccination is protected from getting infected by the virus and developing flu-related complications.

A. Soaking extremities in hot water. B. Administering warmed intravenous fluids. C. Administering hot whirlpool therapy. D. Replacing wet clothing with dry clothing.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Replacing wet clothing with dry clothing is an independent nursing intervention that can help prevent further heat loss and gradually warm the patient. Soaking extremities in hot water (choice A) is not recommended because it can cause vasodilation and hypotension. Administering warmed intravenous fluids (choice B) and administering hot whirlpool therapy (choice C) are not independent nursing interventions because they require a physician’s order. They are also not appropriate for mild to moderate hypothermia because they can cause rapid rewarming and cardiac dysrhythmias.

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A client’s bloodwork indicates that he has severe hypokalemia. What is a priority nursing intervention?

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Correct Answer is D

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A client’s bloodwork indicates that he has severe hypokalemia.
What is a priority nursing intervention?