A nurse is caring for a client who is ordered Potassium 40 mEq IV. On hand is Potassium Chloride 20 mEq/mL. What is the nurse’s next action?
Mix potassium in 1 liter of normal saline.
Call the physician for order clarification.
Prepare 20 mEq of Potassium to give IV push.
Give the medication as ordered.
The Correct Answer is B
A. While potassium is typically diluted in IV fluids, the concentration and infusion rate must be clarified before administration. A standard dilution is 10 mEq in 100 mL or 40 mEq in 1L, but this must be verified.
B. Calling the physician for clarification is the safest step. IV potassium should never be given undiluted or as an IV push due to the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
C. IV push potassium is never appropriate as it can cause cardiac arrest.
D. Administering the undiluted 20 mEq/mL solution is dangerous and requires proper dilution before administration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Osler Nodes – These are tender, painful nodules on the fingers and toes, a classic sign of infective endocarditis.
B. Splinter Hemorrhages – Tiny blood clots under the fingernails occur due to microembolization from infected heart valves.
C. Petechial Hemorrhaging – Small red or purple spots on the skin or mucous membranes occur due to embolization of infected material.
D. Janeway Lesions – Painless, flat, red spots on the palms and soles caused by microemboli.
E. Fever with Chills – A common systemic symptom due to infection and inflammation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Digoxin is a positive inotropic agent, meaning it increases the force of cardiac contractions. This helps improve cardiac output in patients with heart failure.
B. Digoxin does not decrease the force of contractions; instead, it strengthens them, making it beneficial for heart failure treatment.
C. Digoxin is commonly used in heart failure management, particularly in cases of systolic dysfunction or atrial fibrillation.
D. Digoxin decreases heart rate by slowing conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node, making it useful in atrial fibrillation, but its primary benefit in heart failure is increasing contractility.
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