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 B

Explanation

A. Avoiding sick contacts is generally a good practice, but it is not the primary concern for a client with infective endocarditis. The focus is on preventing bacterial infections that could enter the bloodstream and affect the heart valves.
B. Prophylactic antibiotics are required before dental and invasive procedures to prevent bacterial endocarditis recurrence. The bacteria that cause infective endocarditis can enter the bloodstream through procedures that involve mucosal surfaces.
C. Discontinuing antibiotics when feeling better is incorrect. Infective endocarditis requires a full course of IV antibiotics, often lasting 4 to 6 weeks, to fully eradicate the infection and prevent complications.
D. Avoiding physical activity for six months is unnecessary unless the client has severe cardiac complications. However, clients should monitor for symptoms such as fatigue and consult their provider before engaging in strenuous activities.

A. Hold all medications B. Keflex (Cephalexin) C. Tenormin (Atenolol) D. Heparin

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Holding all medications is not necessary; only certain medications that affect heart rate or blood pressure are held.
B. Keflex (Cephalexin) is an antibiotic and does not affect stress test results, so it should not be held.
C. Tenormin (Atenolol) is a beta-blocker that reduces heart rate and can interfere with the stress test by blunting the expected heart rate response. Beta-blockers are typically held before an exercise stress test.
D. Heparin is an anticoagulant and does not impact the stress test results.

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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?

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