A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has a potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan?
Give a dose of alendronate.
Administer furosemide.
Apply a cardiac monitor.
Monitor for Chvostek's sign.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Give a dose of alendronate is incorrect. Alendronate is a medication used to treat osteoporosis, and it does not address low potassium levels. In this case, the focus should be on correcting the potassium imbalance.
B. Administer furosemide is incorrect. Furosemide is a diuretic that can cause further loss of potassium. In a client with low potassium levels (hypokalemia., administering furosemide could worsen the condition and lead to life-threatening complications.
C. Apply a cardiac monitor is correct. Hypokalemia (potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L) can cause significant cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Applying a cardiac monitor is essential for monitoring the client’s heart rhythm and detecting any abnormalities related to the low potassium level.
D. Monitor for Chvostek's sign is incorrect. Chvostek's sign is indicative of hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia. While both hypocalcemia and hypokalemia can cause neuromuscular excitability, monitoring for Chvostek’s sign is not a priority in the management of hypokalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Oral suction equipment is correct. During a seizure, there is a risk of aspiration due to the loss of airway control. Oral suction equipment should be readily available in the room to clear the airway if needed, especially if the client experiences a seizure with oral secretions.
B. Tongue depressor is incorrect. A tongue depressor should never be used during a seizure. Inserting a tongue depressor into the mouth can result in injury to both the client and the caregiver and should be avoided.
C. Tracheostomy tray is incorrect. While a tracheostomy tray might be necessary for clients with tracheostomies, it is not a standard requirement for clients on seizure precautions unless the client has specific respiratory concerns or requires a tracheostomy for airway management.
D. Wrist restraints is incorrect. Wrist restraints are not recommended during a seizure, as they can cause injury and impede movement. Instead, the goal is to provide a safe environment to prevent injury during a seizure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Platelet count is normal (175,000/mm3) and does not require reporting to the provider.
B. Sputum color: While thick green sputum might suggest infection, the nurse should first assess for other clinical signs, and it might not need immediate reporting unless there are other concerns, like a change in respiratory status.
C. Temperature (38°C / 100.4°F) is elevated, which could indicate an infection, such as a respiratory infection or exacerbation of COPD. This finding should be reported to the provider because fever in a client with COPD could lead to complications like pneumonia or exacerbation of symptoms.
D. Fluid intake of 2,200 mL/24 hr is within normal limits and does not need reporting.
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