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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. IV Nitroglycerine is a vasodilator that improves coronary blood flow, reduces myocardial oxygen demand, and relieves chest pain in AMI.
B. IV Heparin is an anticoagulant that prevents further clot formation but does not dilate blood vessels.
C. Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, reduces heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand but does not cause coronary vasodilation.
D. Alteplase (fibrinolytic) helps dissolve clots in acute STEMI but does not directly dilate coronary arteries.

A. Count how many QRS complexes occur in a 6-second strip B. Measure the T waves C. Read the monitor or electrocardiogram interpretation D. Look for P waves on the strip

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Counting the number of QRS complexes in a 6-second strip and multiplying by 10 provides an estimate of the heart rate per minute.
B. Measuring T waves is used to assess repolarization abnormalities, not to determine heart rate.
C. While the monitor provides a heart rate reading, manual calculation is essential for verifying accuracy.
D. P waves indicate atrial activity but are not used to calculate the overall heart rate.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

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