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 C

Explanation

Allowing time during the workday when each nurse can demonstrate proficiency is the best way to evaluate staff competency with the new equipment. This method ensures that the nurses can perform the skills correctly and safely under the charge nurse’s supervision and feedback.

Choice A is wrong because verbally questioning the staff about the new equipment does not assess their practical skills or ability to use the equipment correctly.

Choice B is wrong because requiring each nurse to take a written examination about the new equipment does not assess their hands-on skills or ability to troubleshoot problems with the equipment.

Choice D is wrong because asking each nurse to read the procedure and sign a form acknowledging competency does not verify that the nurses have understood the procedure or can apply it in practice.

It also relies on the nurses’ honesty and self-assessment, which may not be accurate or reliable.

A. Ineffective tissue perfusion. B. Activity intolerance. C. Fluid volume deficit. D. Risk for decreased cardiac output.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

This nursing diagnosis is typically not associated with anemia because anemia does not cause dehydration or loss of body fluids. Anemia is a condition in which the hemoglobin concentration or the number of red blood cells is lower than normal, resulting in decreased oxygen delivery to the tissues.

Choice A. Ineffective tissue perfusion is wrong because anemia can impair tissue perfusion by reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Choice B. Activity intolerance is wrong because anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and dyspnea on exertion due to inadequate oxygen supply to the muscles.

Choice D. Risk for decreased cardiac output is wrong because anemia can increase the risk of cardiac complications such as tachycardia, palpitations, angina, and heart failure due to increased cardiac workload and demand for oxygen.

Normal ranges for hemoglobin are 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL for men and 12 to 15.5 g/dL for women; normal ranges for hematocrit are 38.8 to 50% for men and 34.9 to 44.5% for women; normal ranges for red blood cell count are 4.7 to 6.1 million/mm3 for men and 4.2 to 5.4 million/mm3 for women; normal ranges for reticulocyte count are 0.5 to 1.5% of red blood cells.

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

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A charge nurse is providing an inservice for staff nurses on the use of new IV pumps. Which of the following actions should the charge nurse take to best evaluate staff competency with the new equipment?

Correct Answer is C

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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