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. Chadwick's sign is correct. Chadwick's sign refers to a purplish or bluish discoloration of the vagina and vulva that occurs early in pregnancy due to increased blood flow to the pelvic area. This is typically seen around the 8th week of gestation.
B. Hegar's sign is incorrect. Hegar's sign refers to the softening of the lower uterine segment, which is a physical change that can be felt during a pelvic examination. It is a sign of pregnancy but does not involve discoloration of the vaginal area.
C. Chloasma is incorrect. Chloasma, also called the "mask of pregnancy," refers to hyperpigmentation on the face, typically over the cheeks and forehead, not the vagina or vulva.
D. Ballottement is incorrect. Ballottement refers to a physical finding during a pelvic exam in which the examiner can feel the fetus floating in the amniotic fluid, typically observed after 16 weeks of pregnancy. It is unrelated to changes in vaginal or vulvar color.
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. "The client in room 204 received some pain medicine earlier today." is incorrect. This statement is not specific enough to be relevant during change-of-shift report, as the timing of medication administration is important for the next nurse to know and track. A more precise update would be more helpful.
B. "The client in room 205 has had several visitors." is incorrect. While visitation may be useful to mention if it affects the patient's condition or treatment, it's not essential information for the nurse taking over the care of the client.
C. "The client in room 205 is scheduled for a dressing change at 1800." is correct. This provides necessary information about a planned procedure and ensures the next nurse is aware of it for timely management.
D. "The client in room 203 will undergo surgery at 0900 tomorrow." is correct. This provides critical information regarding the client's schedule and helps the next nurse prepare for the upcoming surgery.
E. "The client in room 204 has a new prescription for IV gentamicin." is correct. This is important information for the next nurse, as it indicates a change in the client's treatment plan and ensures appropriate medication administration.
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