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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Palpating the dorsalis pedis pulse is an essential action to monitor for adequate circulation and perfusion in an extremity with an external fixator, which is a device that stabilizes and aligns fractured bones with metal pins and rods outside of the skin. The other options are incorrect because they could cause complications such as edema, infection, or malalignment.

A. Fluticasone B. Valproic acid C. Metformin D. Metoprolol

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Metformin is an oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It should be withheld before and after a procedure that requires IV contrast dye because it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis, a serious condition caused by the buildup of lactic acid in the blood. The other medications are not contraindicated with IV contrast dye and can be given as scheduled.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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