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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because peritonitis is an infection of the peritoneal cavity that can occur as a complication of peritoneal dialysis. Peritonitis can cause inflammation and irritation of the peritoneum, which can lead to cloudy or milky appearance of the dialysate fluid that drains out of the abdomen (also known as effluent). Cloudy effluent is often the first and most reliable sign of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients. Other signs and symptoms of peritonitis may include increased heart rate, generalized abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and malaise.
The nurse should instruct the client and his partner to inspect the effluent for clarity every time they perform an exchange and to report any changes to their health care provider immediately. The nurse should also teach them how to prevent peritonitis by following strict aseptic technique when handlingcatheters and supplies, washing hands before and after each exchange, wearing a mask during exchanges, and storing supplies in a clean and dry place.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A low potassium level (hypokalemia) can increase the risk for digoxin toxicity because it enhances the binding of digoxin to cardiac cells and increases its effects on cardiac contractility and electrical conduction. The nurse should monitor the client's potassium level and administer potassium supplements as prescribed if needed. The other electrolytes are not directly related to digoxin toxicity.
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