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 A
Explanation
The nurse should assess the client's gag reflex before allowing oral intake to prevent aspiration. The client's throat may be numb after a bronchoscopy, which is a procedure that uses a thin tube with a camera and light to examine the lungs and airways . The other actions are important but not the priority.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Confusion can be a sign of delirium, which is a common complication of immobility in older adults due to sensory deprivation, sleep disturbance, medication side effects, or dehydration. The nurse should assess for other causes of confusion, such as infection or hypoxia, and implement interventions to prevent or treat delirium.
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