A nurse cares for a patient who has a serum potassium of 7.5 mEq/L and is exhibiting cardiovascular changes. Which should the nurse implement first?

Provide a heart healthy low potassium diet

Prepare to administer sodium polystyrene sulfate 15g by mouth

Prepare the patient for hemodialysis treatment

Prepare to administer dextrose 20% and 10 units of regular insulin IV push

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Provide a heart-healthy low-potassium diet:

While a heart-healthy low-potassium diet is essential for managing chronic hyperkalemia and preventing future occurrences, it is not the first intervention to implement in a patient with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L and exhibiting cardiovascular changes. The effects of dietary changes on serum potassium levels are gradual and may take days to have a significant impact. In an acute situation like this, immediate interventions are needed to rapidly lower potassium levels and address the associated cardiovascular risks.

B. Prepare to administer sodium polystyrene sulfate 15g by mouth:

Sodium polystyrene sulfate is a medication used to exchange sodium for potassium in the gastrointestinal tract, effectively lowering serum potassium levels over hours to days. While it is a valid treatment for hyperkalemia, its onset of action is not immediate enough to address the urgent cardiovascular changes seen in severe hyperkalemia. Therefore, it is not the first-line intervention in this scenario.

C. Prepare the patient for hemodialysis treatment:

Hemodialysis is an effective method for rapidly lowering serum potassium levels in cases of severe hyperkalemia. However, it is a more invasive and time-consuming procedure that requires preparation, including vascular access and dialysis setup. It is typically reserved for situations where other interventions have failed or in patients with severe or refractory hyperkalemia. In the context of this scenario, where the patient has a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L and is exhibiting cardiovascular changes, hemodialysis may be considered if initial interventions are not successful, but it is not the first action to implement.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. "Bake or grill the meat rather than frying it."

This statement is more related to reducing fat intake rather than managing sodium levels. While reducing fried foods can be beneficial for overall health, it doesn't directly address the issue of sodium intake, which is crucial in managing hypernatremia.

B. “Check your radial pulse twice a day.”

Checking the radial pulse is a method used to monitor heart rate and rhythm. It is not directly related to managing sodium levels or hypernatremia. Although monitoring vital signs is important in general health care, it is not specific to addressing mild hypernatremia.

C. "Read food labels to determine sodium content."

This statement is the correct choice. Managing sodium intake is a key component in managing hypernatremia. Reading food labels helps patients identify high-sodium foods and make choices that are lower in sodium content, which can be crucial in preventing or managing mild hypernatremia.

D. “Weigh yourself every morning and every night."

While regular weight monitoring can be important for certain health conditions, it is not directly related to managing mild hypernatremia. Weight changes may occur with fluid retention or loss, but monitoring sodium intake and hydration status is more directly relevant to managing hypernatremia.

A. “All preoperative patients get this medication." B. “The physician prescribed this medication for you." C. "It helps present ulcers from the stress of the surgery." D. “Since you don't have ulcers, I will have to ask."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. “All preoperative patients get this medication.” This statement is too broad and not entirely accurate. While many preoperative patients do receive famotidine (Pepcid), it’s not a standard for all. Medications are prescribed based on individual patient needs and medical history.

B. “The physician prescribed this medication for you.” While this is technically true, it doesn’t provide the patient with an understanding of why the medication is necessary. As a nurse, part of your role is to educate patients about their medications.

C. “It helps prevent ulcers from the stress of the surgery.” This is the correct answer. Famotidine (Pepcid) is given to decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach, which can help prevent stress ulcers that can occur due to the physical stress of surgery.

D. “Since you don’t have ulcers, I will have to ask.” This statement suggests uncertainty and a lack of knowledge about the medication’s purpose. It’s important for healthcare professionals to understand the medications they administer and be able to explain them to patients.

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A nurse cares for a patient who has a serum potassium of 7.5 mEq/L and is exhibiting cardiovascular changes. Which should the nurse implement first?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse teaches a patient who is at risk for mild hypernatremia. Which statement does the nurse include in this patient's teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is giving a preoperative patient a dose of famotidine ( Pepcid). The patient asks why the nurse is giving this drug when the patient has no history of ulcers. What response by the nurse is best?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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