A nurse is preparing to administer oral potassium for a client who has a potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Repeat the potassium level.
Withhold the medication.
Monitor for paresthesia.
Administer a hypertonic solution.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Repeating the potassium level is not the first action to take. The nurse already has a recent lab value.
Choice B rationale:
The nurse should withhold the medication. The normal range for potassium is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. A level of 5.5 mEq/L is high, so giving more potassium could lead to hyperkalemia.
Choice C rationale:
Monitoring for paresthesia is important in hyperkalemia, but it is not the first action. The nurse should first prevent further increase in potassium levels.
Choice D rationale:
Administering a hypertonic solution is not relevant in this situation. It does not directly address the high potassium level.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
An angle of 60° is not typically used for IM injections. It is more commonly used for subcutaneous injections.
Choice B rationale:
An angle of 45° is also more commonly used for subcutaneous injections, not IM injections.
Choice C rationale:
An angle of 90° is the correct angle for an IM injection into the ventrogluteal muscle. This allows for the needle to penetrate deep into the muscle tissue.
Choice D rationale:
An angle of 75° is not typically used for any type of injection. It could potentially cause injury to the client if used for an IM injection.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Changing soiled linens daily is important, but it is not the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Choice B rationale:
Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens. It should be performed before and after every client interaction, before and after any procedure, and after any contact with potentially infectious material.
Choice C rationale:
Discarding used syringes in appropriate containers is important for safety, but it does not directly prevent the spread of pathogens.
Choice D rationale:
Properly disposing of contaminated equipment is important, but hand hygiene is more effective at preventing the spread of pathogens.
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.