A nurse is caring for a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who presents with hyperkalemia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?
Administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate as prescribed.
Monitor the client’s cardiac rhythm.
Restrict dietary potassium intake.
Prepare the client for hemodialysis.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate helps to lower potassium levels by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines. However, it is not the first intervention because it takes time to work and does not address the immediate risk of cardiac arrhythmias caused by hyperkalemia.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring the client’s cardiac rhythm is the first intervention because hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Continuous cardiac monitoring allows for the early detection and treatment of these arrhythmias, which is crucial for the client’s safety.
Choice C rationale
Restricting dietary potassium intake is an important long-term management strategy for hyperkalemia, especially in clients with chronic kidney disease. However, it does not address the immediate risk of cardiac arrhythmias and is not the first intervention.
Choice D rationale
Preparing the client for hemodialysis is a definitive treatment for hyperkalemia, especially in clients with chronic kidney disease. However, it is not the first intervention because it takes time to arrange and initiate dialysis. Immediate cardiac monitoring is necessary to manage the acute risk of arrhythmias.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The left extrapyramidal tract is involved in motor control, but lesions here would not cause right homonymous hemianopia or inability to move the right arm. These symptoms are more indicative of a lesion in the cerebral hemisphere.
Choice B rationale
A lesion in the right cerebral hemisphere would cause left-sided symptoms, not right-sided. The patient’s symptoms are indicative of a lesion in the left cerebral hemisphere.
Choice C rationale
The cerebellum is involved in coordination and balance, not in causing right homonymous hemianopia or inability to move the right arm. These symptoms are more indicative of a lesion in the cerebral hemisphere.
Choice D rationale
A lesion in the left cerebral hemisphere can cause right homonymous hemianopia and inability to move the right arm. This is because the left hemisphere controls the right side of the body and processes visual information from the right visual field.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by severe hypoxemia and respiratory distress, often requiring mechanical ventilation. It is not typically associated with a mild fever and increased respiratory rate.
Choice B rationale
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic condition characterized by airflow limitation and respiratory symptoms, but not typically associated with a mild fever.
Choice C rationale
Pulmonary edema involves fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to respiratory distress and hypoxemia, but not typically associated with a mild fever.
Choice D rationale
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs causing fever (37.5°C), increased respiratory rate (28 breaths per minute), and other respiratory symptoms. It is the most likely condition given the symptoms.
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