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 D
Explanation
Acetaminophen is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease1 and should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment or active liver disease. Alcohol use disorder can cause liver damage and increase the risk of acetaminophen toxicity.
Choice A is wrong because hepatitis B vaccine within the last week is not a contraindication for receiving acetaminophen.
There is no evidence that acetaminophen interferes with the immune response to the vaccine or causes adverse effects.
Choice B is wrong because chronic kidney disease is not a contraindication for receiving acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen is mainly metabolized by the liver and has minimal renal excretion.
However, patients with chronic kidney disease should consult their doctor before taking acetaminophen as they may have other conditions that affect its use.
Choice C is wrong because diabetes mellitus is not a contraindication for receiving acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen does not affect blood glucose levels or interact with oral antidiabetic drugs.
However, patients with diabetes mellitus should consult their doctor before taking acetaminophen as they may have other conditions that affect its use.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider because cefuroxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic that can cause serious or life-threatening allergic reactions in people who are allergic to penicillin. The nurse should not administer cefuroxime to this client until the provider is notified and an alternative antibiotic is prescribed.
Choice A is wrong because the client has a BUN level of 18 mg/dL, which is within the normal range of 7 to 20 mg/dL.
This does not indicate any renal impairment or adverse reaction to cefuroxime.
Choice B is wrong because the client reports a history of nausea with cefuroxime, which is a common side effect of this drug.
The nurse should instruct the client to take cefuroxime with food to reduce nausea, but this is not a priority to report to the provider.
Choice D is wrong because the client takes aspirin daily, which does not interact with cefuroxime.
The nurse should monitor the client for any signs of bleeding or bruising while taking aspirin, but this is not a priority to report to the provider.
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