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 B
Explanation
A. "Take an extra dose of insulin lispro prior to aerobic exercise." This is incorrect. Exercise can increase insulin sensitivity, meaning the client may need to reduce the dose of short-acting insulin (such as insulin lispro) before exercise to avoid hypoglycemia. The nurse should not recommend taking an "extra" dose of insulin prior to exercise.
B. "Draw up the insulin lispro and insulin glargine in separate syringes." This is correct. Insulin lispro (a rapid-acting insulin) and insulin glargine (a long-acting insulin) should never be mixed in the same syringe. Insulin glargine is acidic, and mixing it with other insulins can alter its action and effectiveness.
C. "Expect insulin glargine to be cloudy." This is incorrect. Insulin glargine should be clear and colorless. If insulin glargine appears cloudy, it may indicate that the insulin is expired or has been improperly stored.
D. "Anticipate that the insulin glargine will peak in 3 hours." This is incorrect. Insulin glargine has no pronounced peak. It provides a steady release of insulin over 24 hours and is designed to be taken once daily.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Our child has a better grasp of reality.": This is not the primary goal of methylphenidate. While it may help with focus and attention, the medication's goal is to improve concentration and reduce hyperactive behaviors in children with ADHD, not directly influence their grasp of reality.
B. "Our child is able to complete his homework on time.": This is correct. Methylphenidate, a stimulant used to treat ADHD, helps improve attention, focus, and impulse control. A child who can complete homework on time demonstrates improved attention and task completion, which is the desired outcome.
C. "Our child has lost some weight since his last appointment.": While weight loss can be a side effect of methylphenidate, it is not an indicator that the medication is effective. The goal is to manage ADHD symptoms, not necessarily to cause weight loss.
D. "Our child has increased his daily caloric intake.": This is incorrect. A common side effect of methylphenidate is decreased appetite, so an increase in caloric intake would not be expected.
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