A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving an IV infusion of potassium chloride. Which of the following complications should the nurse recognize as an indication to discontinue the infusion?
Hypomagnesemia
Neutropenia
Coughing
Hyperkalemia
The Correct Answer is D
A. Hypomagnesemia: Low magnesium levels are not an indication to stop a potassium infusion, although magnesium and potassium levels are related. Correction of magnesium may be necessary, but hypomagnesemia alone does not warrant discontinuation.
B. Neutropenia: A low white blood cell count is not directly related to potassium administration and does not require stopping the infusion.
C. Coughing: Respiratory symptoms like coughing are not a recognized complication of potassium chloride infusion and do not indicate the need to discontinue therapy.
D. Hyperkalemia: Elevated potassium levels can be life-threatening due to the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. If laboratory results or clinical signs indicate hyperkalemia, the potassium infusion should be immediately discontinued and appropriate interventions initiated.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Methadone: Methadone is an opioid agonist used for opioid dependence and pain management. It does not treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and is not indicated in this scenario.
B. Chlordiazepoxide: Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine commonly used to manage acute alcohol withdrawal. It reduces agitation, tremors, and the risk of seizures by enhancing GABAergic activity in the central nervous system.
C. Varenicline: Varenicline is used to aid smoking cessation by acting on nicotinic receptors. It does not alleviate alcohol withdrawal symptoms and is not part of standard alcohol withdrawal management.
D. Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist used for opioid use disorder. It is not effective in treating alcohol withdrawal and does not address the associated neurological excitability or risk of seizures.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"E","dropdown-group-2":"A"}
Explanation
Rationale for Correct Choices:
- Heart rate: The client’s heart rate has increased from 58/min to 118/min, indicating possible thyrotoxicosis or over-replacement of levothyroxine. Tachycardia is a priority finding because it can lead to cardiovascular complications such as arrhythmias or chest pain.
- Pain: The client reports chest pain, which, combined with tachycardia and elevated blood pressure, may indicate cardiac strain or complications. Prompt assessment of pain helps identify potential cardiovascular compromise requiring urgent intervention.
Rationale for Incorrect Choices
- Weight: While notable changes in weight are important for monitoring thyroid treatment, they are not immediately life-threatening compared with tachycardia and chest pain.
- Skin: Skin changes provide supportive assessment information but are less immediately critical than cardiovascular status.
- Temperature: Elevated temperature indicates hypermetabolism or possible infection, but it is not as immediately life-threatening as the tachycardia and chest pain.
- Bowel sounds: Hyperactive bowel sounds reflect increased GI motility but are less urgent compared with cardiovascular and metabolic indicators.
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