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 ["7.5"]
Explanation
The correct answer is 7.5 mL.
Calculation: Determine the amount of medication in 1 mL of solution: 20 mg/5 mL = 4 mg/mL Determine the volume of solution needed to administer 30 mg: 30 mg / 4 mg/mL = 7.5 mL
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The list obtained from the client should include all medications the client is taking, regardless of who prescribed them. This includes over-the-counter medications and supplements.
Choice B rationale:
Providing a comprehensive list of medications for the client at the time of discharge is an important component of medication reconciliation. This helps to ensure the client understands what medications they should be taking, how to take them, and why they are taking them.
Choice C rationale:
The reconciliation process should be completed at each transition of care, not just when the client is first admitted to the hospital. This is to ensure that any changes in medication are accurately documented and communicated.
Choice D rationale:
A nurse should not write a verbal order in the medical record for medications the client was taking at home without confirmation from the provider. This could lead to errors in medication administration.
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