A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving IV fluids to correct dehydration. Which of the following laboratory values should indicate to the nurse that the client is effectively responding to treatment?

Choice A Reason: This is correct because using an infusion controller for the IV ensures that the KCL is delivered at a safe and accurate rate. KCL can cause cardiac arrest if infused too rapidly or in excess.

Choice B Reason: This is correct because adding the ordered dose to the IV bag hanging dilutes the KCL and reduces the risk of phlebitis and extravasation. KCL is irritating to the veins and can cause tissue damage if it leaks out of the vein.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because monitoring the injection site for redness can help detect signs of phlebitis and extravasation. The nurse should stop the infusion and notify the provider if these complications occur.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because monitoring fluid intake and output is not directly related to administering KCL. However, the nurse should monitor the patient's serum potassium level and renal function before and during KCL therapy, as kidney impairment can cause hyperkalemia.

Choice E Reason: This is incorrect because administering the dose IV push over 3 minutes is dangerous and contraindicated. KCL should never be given by IV push, bolus, or undiluted, as it can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias.

Choice A: A client who is taking a thiazide diuretic is not at risk for metabolic acidosis, but rather for metabolic alkalosis. This is a condition that occurs when the body has too much bicarbonate or loses too much acid. This can happen in patients who take thiazide diuretics, which increase the excretion of sodium, chloride, and water, but also cause the retention of bicarbonate.

Choice B: A client who has diarrhea is at risk for metabolic acidosis, because this condition occurs when the body produces too much acid or loses too much bicarbonate. This can happen in patients who have diarrhea, which causes the loss of intestinal fluids that contain bicarbonate and other bases.

Choice C: A client who is vomiting is not at risk for metabolic acidosis, but rather for metabolic alkalosis. This is a condition that occurs when the body has too much bicarbonate or loses too much acid. This can happen in patients who have vomiting, which causes the loss of gastric fluids that contain hydrochloric acid and other acids.

Choice D: A client who has salicylate intoxication is at risk for metabolic acidosis, because this condition occurs when the body produces too much acid or loses too much bicarbonate. This can happen in patients who have salicylate intoxication, which is a toxic reaction to aspirin or other salicylates. Salicylates increase the production of organic acids and interfere with the renal excretion of acids.