A nurse is caring for a client who is to receive potassium replacement. The provider’s prescription reads, “Potassium chloride 30 mEq in 0.9% sodium chloride 100 mL IV over 30 min.” For which of the following reasons should the nurse clarify this prescription with the provider?
The potassium infusion rate is too rapid.
Another formulation of potassium should be given IV.
Potassium chloride should be diluted in dextrose 5% in water.
The client should be treated by giving potassium by IV bolus.
The Correct Answer is A
According to various guidelines12345, the recommended rate of intravenous potassium replacement is 10-20 mEq/h with continuous ECG monitoring. The maximum rate is 40 mEq/h in emergency situations. The prescription given by the provider exceeds this limit and could cause cardiac arrhythmias or hyperkalemia.
Choice B is wrong because potassium chloride is a common and appropriate formulation of potassium for intravenous administration.
Choice C is wrong because potassium chloride should not be diluted in dextrose 5% in water, as this could cause hyperglycemia or osmotic diuresis.
Choice D is wrong because potassium should never be given by IV bolus, as this could cause cardiac arrest or tissue necrosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The FACES pain scale is a self-report tool that uses six facial expressions to indicate different levels of pain. It is suitable for children aged 3 to 13 years who can match their pain to a face. The nurse should use this scale to assess the pain of a 4-year-old child following an orthopaedic procedure.
Choice B. Word-graphic is wrong because it is a pain scale that uses words and pictures to describe pain intensity.
It is suitable for children aged 8 to 17 years who can read and understand words.
Choice C. Numeric is wrong because it is a pain scale that uses numbers from 0 to 10 to rate pain intensity. It is suitable for children aged 5 years and older who can understand numbers and concepts of more or less.
Choice D. CRIES is wrong because it is a pain scale that uses five behavioural indicators (crying, requiring increased oxygen, increased vital signs, expression, and sleeplessness) to measure pain in neonates.
It is suitable for infants aged 0 to 6 months who cannot communicate verbally.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The client will need to have blood levels drawn to monitor the therapeutic and toxic levels of theophylline, a bronchodilator that is used to treat symptoms of asthma and other lung conditions. The normal range of theophylline in the blood is 10 to 20 mcg/mL.
Choice A is wrong because the client should not sprinkle the medication in applesauce or any other food. Theophylline is a sustained-release capsule that should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.
Choice B is wrong because the client should avoid caffeine while on this medication, as it can increase the side effects of theophylline, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and irregular heart rate.
Choice C is wrong because the client should not limit fluid intake while on this medication unless instructed by the doctor.
Fluid intake helps prevent dehydration and kidney problems that can affect theophylline levels in the blood.
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