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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Watching television until falling asleep at night is a poor sleep habit because it can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Television can also expose the eyes to bright light and stimulating or stressful content, which can affect the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.
Choice B is wrong because having a small snack and taking a bath before going to bed each day are good sleep habits that can promote relaxation and sleep quality.
Choice C is wrong because not taking naps throughout the day is a good sleep habit that can help maintain a consistent sleep schedule and avoid disrupting the night-time sleep.
Choice D is wrong because going to bed and getting up at the same times each day is a good sleep habit that can reinforce the body’s circadian rhythm and make it easier to fall asleep and wake up.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is a responsibility of the nurse in the process of informed consent, which is the patient’s choice to have a treatment or procedure based on their full understanding of its benefits, risks, and alternatives. The nurse should provide written materials in the client’s spoken language, when possible, and verify that the client comprehends and consents to the care and procedures.
Choice A is wrong because confirming that the client is competent to sign for the procedure is not a responsibility of the nurse, but of the health professional who directs the care. The nurse can only obtain consent when initiating care or reviewing consent before providing care ordered by another health professional.
Choice B is wrong because discussing the risks of the procedure with the client is not a responsibility of the nurse, but of the health professional who directs the care. The nurse can only inform the client about what will occur during the procedure and answer any questions they may have.
Choice D is wrong because explaining alternatives to the procedure to the client is not a responsibility of the nurse, but of the health professional who directs the care. The nurse can only inform the client about what will occur during the procedure and answer any questions they may have.
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