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 C
Explanation
A. A prolonged PR interval can be seen in hyperkalemia but is not as characteristic as peaked T waves.
B. A U wave is typically seen in hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia.
C. Peaked T waves are a hallmark ECG finding in hyperkalemia and occur due to increased repolarization speed.
D. ST segment elevation is more commonly associated with myocardial infarction rather than hyperkalemia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. External pacing is not indicated for ventricular tachycardia with a pulse. Pacing is typically used for bradyarrhythmias.
B. CPR is only necessary if the client is pulseless. Since the client has a pulse, a more appropriate intervention is needed.
C. Defibrillation is used for pulseless VT or ventricular fibrillation, but this client has a pulse and is symptomatic.
D. Synchronized cardioversion is the appropriate intervention for unstable ventricular tachycardia with a pulse. The shock is synchronized to the R wave to prevent inducing ventricular fibrillation.
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