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 A

Explanation

The ABG results show a low pH (acidosis), a high PaCO2 (respiratory component), and a normal HCO3 (metabolic component). This indicates respiratory acidosis, which is caused by hypoventilation and retention of carbon dioxide.

A. Intense pain with movement B. Bounding distal pulses C. Erythema of the toes D. Capillary refill less than 2 seconds

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Compartment syndrome is a condition in which increased pressure within a confined space compromises blood flow and tissue perfusion, leading to ischemia and necrosis. It can occur after trauma, fracture, or casting of an extremity. The early signs of compartment syndrome include intense pain with movement that is not relieved by analgesics or elevation, paresthesia, pallor, and decreased sensation and motor function of the affected limb. The late signs include absent distal pulses, cyanosis, coldness, and paralysis. Therefore, option A is correct.

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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

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