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
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A 2-g sodium diet means limiting sodium intake to no more than 2000 mg per day. Sodium is found in salt and many processed foods, such as canned vegetables, soups, sauces, and baked goods. Sodium can cause fluid retention and worsen heart failure symptoms, such as shortness of breath, swelling, and fatigue. Therefore, the client should avoid adding salt or salt substitutes (such as baking soda) to their foods and choose fresh or frozen vegetables over canned ones. Lemon juice is a low-sodium alternative that can add flavor to foods without increasing sodium intake.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This response assesses the client's understanding and adherence to the antiretroviral therapy (ART), which isessential for managing HIV and preventing complications and transmission. ART requires strict adherence to a specific regimen of medications that must be taken at certain times and with certain foods or fluids.
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