A nurse is caring for a client who arrives at the emergency department and reports vomiting and diarrhea for the past 3 days. The client's serum potassium level is 2.8 mEq/L. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?
Listen to the client's bowel sounds.
Initiate cardiac monitoring for the client.
Check the client's hand grasps
Administer an IV potassium drip
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Listening to the client's bowel sounds should not be implemented. While assessing bowel sounds is important, it is not the highest priority in this situation. The client's low serum potassium level indicates the potential for serious cardiac arrhythmias, so actions related to monitoring and addressing this electrolyte imbalance are more critical.
Choice B reason:
Initiate cardiac monitoring for the client is the correct answer. A serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L is significantly low and can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Initiating cardiac monitoring is crucial to assess the client's heart rhythm and ensure that any potential abnormalities are identified promptly.
Choice C reason:
Check the client's hand grasps should not be implemented. Assessing the client's hand grasps can provide information about muscle strength, but it is not the immediate priority when the client has a critically low potassium level.
Choice D reason:
Administer an IV potassium drip should not be implemented. Administering IV potassium is important for correcting the potassium imbalance, but the priority is to assess and monitor the client's cardiac status first. Rapid administration of potassium can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, so it's important to ensure the heart's stability through cardiac monitoring before administering potassium.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Diplopia is incorrect. Diplopia is double vision and is not a specific sign of malnutrition.
Choice B Reason:
Hyperproteinemia is incorrect - Malnutrition often leads to hypoalbuminemia (low levels of albumin, a protein), not hyperproteinemia.
Choice C Reason:
Cachexia is correct. Cachexia refers to a state of severe malnutrition and muscle wasting that can occur in individuals with chronic illnesses, especially advanced cancer, heart failure, or certain inflammatory conditions. It is characterized by significant weight loss, muscle atrophy, weakness, and fatigue. Cachexia goes beyond simple malnutrition and is a more severe manifestation of nutritional deficiency.
Choice D Reason:
Hypermagnesemia is incorrect - Malnutrition is more likely to cause deficiencies in minerals like magnesium, not excess levels (hypermagnesemia).
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Taking an antacid 30 minutes before taking ciprofloxacin is not necessary. Ciprofloxacin should generally be taken on an empty stomach, either 1-2 hours before or 2 hours after meals, but antacids containing aluminium, magnesium, or calcium can interfere with its absorption.
Choice B Reason:
Drinking 2 to 3 L of fluids daily is correct. For a client with chronic urinary tract infections who is taking ciprofloxacin, the nurse should instruct the client to increase fluid intake to maintain good urine flow and help flush out bacteria from the urinary system. Adequate hydration can contribute to preventing and managing urinary tract infections.
Choice C Reason:
Taking a laxative to prevent constipation is not directly related to ciprofloxacin use. While constipation can be a side effect of some medications, it is not a primary concern with ciprofloxacin.
Choice D Reason:
Monitoring heart rate is not a typical instruction related to ciprofloxacin use. While ciprofloxacin can have potential effects on heart rhythm (especially in high doses), this is not a common aspect of its use and does not typically require daily monitoring of heart rate.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today