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?
Administer an IV potassium drip.
Listen to the client's bowel sounds.
Check the client's hand grasps.
Initiate cardiac monitoring for the client.
The Correct Answer is D
The client has hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium in the blood. Hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should initiate cardiac monitoring first to assess the client's heart rhythm and rate, and intervene if any abnormalities are detected. Administering an IV potassium drip is an appropriate intervention for hypokalemia, but it is not the first priority. Listening to the client's bowel sounds and checking the client's hand grasps are also relevant assessments for hypokalemia, as it can cause decreased bowel motility and muscle weakness, but they are not as urgent as cardiac monitoring.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should instruct the client to trim toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails and infection. The nurse should also advise the client to inspect the feet daily for any signs of injury or ulceration, to avoid applying lotion between the toes as this can cause maceration and fungal growth, and to avoid soaking the feet as this can dry out the skin and increase the risk of injury.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Thrombocytopenia is a condition where the blood has a low platelet count, which can impair blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Heparin is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clots from forming or growing, but it can also cause or worsen thrombocytopenia and bleeding.
Therefore, heparin is contraindicated for clients who have thrombocytopenia or are at risk of developing it. The other conditions are not contraindications to receiving heparin.
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