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:
NG tube with suction apparatus should not be recommended. NG tubes and suction are not routine equipment for managing cystic fibrosis. They might be used for other medical conditions, such as digestive issues or nutritional support.
Choice B Reason:
Chest tube with a drainage system should not be recommended -. Chest tubes and drainage systems are used to manage conditions like pneumothorax or pleural effusion, which are not directly related to cystic fibrosis.
Choice C Reason:
A chest physiotherapy (CPT) vest, also known as a high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) vest, is commonly used by clients with cystic fibrosis to help clear mucus from the lungs. The vest vibrates at high frequency, loosening the mucus and making it easier for the client to cough it up, thus helping to manage respiratory symptoms and reduce the risk of infections.
Choice D Reason:
A peak flow meter is typically used for clients with asthma to measure the maximum speed of exhalation, which helps in assessing asthma control. While it can be useful for monitoring lung function, it is not specific to cystic fibrosis, where the primary concern is airway clearance rather than peak flow measurement.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Administer a sedative medication is incorrect. Administering a sedative can help the client feel more comfortable during the procedure, but ensuring allergy safety comes first.
Choice B Reason:
Determine whether the client has an allergy to local anaesthetics is correct. The priority intervention for the nurse is to determine whether the client has an allergy to local anaesthetics. Local anaesthetics are typically used to numb the area before a thoracentesis, and ensuring the safety of the client is essential. An allergy to local anaesthetics can result in serious adverse reactions, so it's crucial to identify any allergies before proceeding with the procedure.
Choice C Reason:
Describe the sensations the client will feel during the procedure is incorrect. Providing information about the sensations is important for client education and comfort, but verifying allergies is more critical.
Choice D Reason:
Reinforce the importance of lying still during the procedure - Encouraging the client to lie still is important for the procedure's success and client safety, but confirming allergies takes priority.
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