A nurse is caring for a client with severe hypokalemia. The provider places an order for IV potassium chloride (KCI) 60 mEq x1 now. Which action should the nurse take when caring for this client?
Discontinue cardiac monitoring during the infusion.
Administer KCI as a rapid IV bolus.
Only give the KCI via a central venous line.
Infuse the KCI at a rate of 10 mEq/hour.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Discontinue cardiac monitoring during the infusion:
Discontinuing cardiac monitoring during the infusion of potassium chloride is unsafe. Potassium infusions can significantly impact cardiac function, so continuous cardiac monitoring is necessary to detect any arrhythmias or other complications.
B) Administer KCI as a rapid IV bolus:
Administering potassium chloride as a rapid IV bolus is contraindicated due to the risk of severe adverse effects, including cardiac arrest. Potassium should be infused slowly to avoid complications.
C) Only give the KCI via a central venous line:
Potassium chloride is ideally administered through a central venous line because it is irritating to veins and can cause damage if given through a peripheral line. A central line reduces the risk of irritation and allows for safer infusion of potassium.
D) Infuse the KCI at a rate of 10 mEq/hour:
Infusing potassium chloride at a rate of 10 mEq/hour is generally too slow for an emergency situation requiring immediate correction of severe hypokalemia. For more urgent cases, higher rates may be required, but only under strict medical supervision to avoid complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Blood pressure 178/90 mm Hg: Elevated blood pressure is more commonly associated with fluid overload or hypertension rather than dehydration. In dehydration, one would expect to see a decrease in blood pressure, particularly orthostatic hypotension, due to a reduction in blood volume.
B) Edema: Edema indicates fluid retention in the tissues, which is a sign of fluid overload rather than dehydration. Dehydration typically results in reduced extracellular fluid volume, leading to symptoms like dry mucous membranes and poor skin turgor, rather than swelling.
C) Bounding bilateral pulses: Bounding pulses are usually seen in conditions of increased cardiac output or fluid overload, where there is an excess of fluid volume. In contrast, dehydration often leads to weak and thready pulses due to decreased circulatory volume.
D) Increased urine specific gravity: Increased urine specific gravity is a direct indicator of dehydration. It occurs because the kidneys concentrate urine to conserve water, leading to a higher concentration of solutes in the urine. This is a reliable clinical marker of reduced hydration status, reflecting the body's attempt to maintain fluid balance by conserving water.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Ribs: Ribs are typically not suitable for a mechanical soft diet because they are tough and require chewing. Mechanical soft diets are designed for individuals who have difficulty chewing or swallowing solid foods.
B) Apple: Apples are generally too hard and crunchy for a mechanical soft diet, which is intended to include softer, easier-to-chew foods.
C) Ground beef: Ground beef is appropriate for a mechanical soft diet because it is easier to chew and swallow compared to whole cuts of meat. It is typically tender and does not require extensive chewing.
D) Corn on the cob: Corn on the cob is not suitable for a mechanical soft diet due to its tough and fibrous texture, which can be difficult to chew and swallow for individuals on this type of diet.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
