A nurse is caring for a client who has a potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L). Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend as being the best source of potassium?

Rationale:

A. Set up the sterile field 5 cm (2 in) below waist level: Sterile fields must be at or above waist level to maintain sterility. Anything below the waist is considered contaminated because it is out of the nurse’s visual field and control.

B. Place the cap from the solution sterile side up on a clean surface: The inside of the cap must face up to avoid contamination. Placing it on a clean surface with the sterile side up preserves sterility for recapping the solution if needed.

C. Open the outermost flap of the sterile kit toward the body: The first flap should be opened away from the body to prevent reaching over the sterile field, which increases the risk of contamination.

D. Place the sterile dressing within 1.25 cm (0.5 in) of the ledge of the sterile field: Items must be placed at least 2.5 cm (1 in) from the edge of the sterile field. The outer 1 inch is considered non-sterile and any item placed within this margin is no longer sterile.

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Blurred vision: Amitriptyline causes anticholinergic effects such as blurred vision by impairing lens accommodation. This effect is common in the early stages of treatment and may improve over time.
• Orthostatic hypotension: Amitriptyline reduces peripheral vascular resistance, which can cause blood pressure to drop when a client changes position. This increases the risk for falls, especially in older adults.
• Urinary retention: Anticholinergic effects from amitriptyline reduce bladder contractility, leading to urinary retention. This is especially concerning in clients with prostate enlargement or existing urinary difficulties.
• Constipation: Decreased gastrointestinal motility caused by anticholinergic activity makes constipation a common and expected side effect. Clients should be advised to increase fiber and fluid intake.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• HEENT: Hearing loss is not associated with tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, which do not affect the auditory system. Photophobia typically results from conditions like migraines or uveitis, not from tricyclic antidepressant use.
• Cardiovascular: Hypertension is not a known side effect of amitriptyline. The medication more commonly lowers blood pressure through vasodilation. Bradycardia is not expected with amitriptyline. In fact, the drug may cause tachycardia due to its effect on cardiac conduction.
• Genitourinary: Urinary incontinence is not typical with amitriptyline. The drug’s anticholinergic properties reduce bladder contractility, increasing the risk of retention instead. Increased libido is not a side effect of tricyclic antidepressants. These medications are more likely to decrease libido and may contribute to sexual dysfunction.
• Gastrointestinal: Dry mouth is a common anticholinergic effect but does not directly impact gastrointestinal motility, making it a less appropriate answer in this system category. Diarrhea is not expected with anticholinergic drugs like amitriptyline, which slow bowel movements and increase the risk for constipation.