A nurse is preparing to administer fluoxetine 30 mg PO daily to a client. The amount available is fluoxetine 10 mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse administer per dose?

(Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero)

Choice A reason:

An infant who has pertussis and is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula: Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can be particularly severe in infants. The fact that the infant is receiving oxygen indicates respiratory distress, which is a critical condition requiring immediate attention. Infants with pertussis are at high risk for complications such as pneumonia, apnea, and respiratory failure. Therefore, this patient should be assessed first to ensure their airway and breathing are adequately supported.

Choice B reason:

A school-age child who has diabetes mellitus and requires blood glucose monitoring: While it is important to monitor blood glucose levels in children with diabetes mellitus to prevent hypo- or hyperglycemia, this condition is generally more stable and manageable compared to the acute respiratory distress seen in the infant with pertussis. Blood glucose monitoring can be scheduled and managed, making it a lower priority in this context.

Choice C reason:

An adolescent who was admitted to the unit in sickle cell crisis and is ready for discharge instructions: Sickle cell crisis can be extremely painful and requires careful management. However, if the adolescent is ready for discharge, it indicates that their condition has stabilized. Providing discharge instructions is important but can be deferred until more critical patients are assessed.

Choice D reason:

A toddler who has both arms in casts and needs to be fed his breakfast: While this toddler requires assistance with feeding due to their casts, this situation does not pose an immediate threat to their health. Feeding can be managed after ensuring that more critical patients, such as the infant with pertussis, are stable.

Choice A reason: Obtain a 12-lead ECG

Obtaining a 12-lead ECG is a critical action when a client has a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L, which indicates hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can cause serious cardiac dysrhythmias, including life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation or asystole. An ECG can help detect these abnormalities early, allowing for prompt intervention to prevent cardiac complications. The ECG may show characteristic changes such as peaked T waves, widened QRS complexes, and prolonged PR intervals, which are indicative of hyperkalemia.

Choice B reason: Suggest that the client use a salt substitute

Suggesting that the client use a salt substitute is not appropriate in this situation. Many salt substitutes contain potassium chloride, which can further increase the potassium level in the blood. For a client with hyperkalemia, it is crucial to avoid additional sources of potassium to prevent exacerbating the condition. Therefore, recommending a salt substitute could be harmful.

Choice C reason: Advise the client to add citrus juices and bananas to her diet

Advising the client to add citrus juices and bananas to her diet is also inappropriate. Both citrus juices and bananas are high in potassium and can contribute to an increase in serum potassium levels. For a client with hyperkalemia, it is essential to limit dietary potassium intake to help lower the potassium levels in the blood. Encouraging the consumption of high-potassium foods would be counterproductive and potentially dangerous.

Choice D reason: Obtain a blood sample for a serum sodium level

While obtaining a blood sample for a serum sodium level can be part of a comprehensive assessment, it is not the immediate priority in managing hyperkalemia. The primary concern with a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L is the risk of cardiac dysrhythmias. Therefore, obtaining an ECG to monitor the heart’s electrical activity is the most urgent and appropriate action. Once the immediate risk is addressed, further laboratory tests, including serum sodium levels, can be conducted as part of the overall assessment and management plan.