A nurse is caring for a client who has a hyperkalemia and is receiving insulin therapy. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as an adverse outcome?
Serum potassium 4.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L)
Serum sodium 138 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L)
Calcium level of 10.0 mg/dL (9.0 to 10.5 mg/dL)
Serum glucose 58 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL)
The Correct Answer is D
A. Serum potassium 4.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L): A normal potassium level suggests effective treatment of hyperkalemia.
B. Serum sodium 138 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L): This is within the normal sodium range and unrelated to the adverse effects of insulin therapy.
C. Calcium level of 10.0 mg/dL (9.0 to 10.5 mg/dL): This is within the normal calcium range, unaffected by insulin therapy for hyperkalemia.
D. Serum glucose 58 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL): Hypoglycemia is a potential adverse effect of insulin therapy because insulin drives glucose into cells, lowering blood sugar.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Serum potassium 4.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L): A normal potassium level suggests effective treatment of hyperkalemia.
B. Serum sodium 138 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L): This is within the normal sodium range and unrelated to the adverse effects of insulin therapy.
C. Calcium level of 10.0 mg/dL (9.0 to 10.5 mg/dL): This is within the normal calcium range, unaffected by insulin therapy for hyperkalemia.
D. Serum glucose 58 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL): Hypoglycemia is a potential adverse effect of insulin therapy because insulin drives glucose into cells, lowering blood sugar.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Give the client 15 to 20 g of carbohydrate: While administering a carbohydrate source is appropriate to treat hypoglycemia, the nurse should first confirm whether the client is experiencing hypoglycemia by checking their blood glucose level.
B. Notify the nurse manager: Reporting the error is important but not the priority. The client's safety takes precedence over reporting.
C. Check the client's blood glucose level: This is the priority action to determine if hypoglycemia has occurred due to the incorrect insulin dose. Immediate identification of hypoglycemia ensures timely treatment.
D. Complete an incident report: Incident reports are essential for documenting errors, but they are a secondary step after ensuring the client's safety.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
