A nurse is preparing to administer oral potassium to a client who has a potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Withhold the medication.
Administer a hypertonic solution.
Repeat the potassium level.
Monitor for paresthesia.
The Correct Answer is C
Before administering any medication, the nurse should confirm the potassium level to ensure that it is still elevated and needs to be treated. Potassium levels can fluctuate, so repeating the test will ensure that the client receives the appropriate treatment.
Options (a) Withhold the medication and (b) Administering a hypertonic solution may be appropriate interventions depending on the client's condition, but confirming the potassium level is the first step.
Option (d) Monitoring for paresthesia is important but not the first action that the nurse should take.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
One of the hallmarks of adrenal insufficiency is dehydration and decreased urinary output, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances such as hyperkalemia and hyponatremia. As treatment begins to take effect, the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance should improve, leading to an increase in urinary output. Acute adrenal insufficiency, also known as the Addisonian crisis, is a life-threatening condition caused by a sudden decrease in cortisol and aldosterone hormones. Treatment usually involves the administration of intravenous glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids to replace the deficient hormones.
Decreasing serum sodium (a) and decreasing blood glucose (b) are not signs of improvement but rather indicative of continued adrenal insufficiency. Decreasing serum potassium (c) is also not a sign of improvement as it could indicate that the patient is developing hyperkalemia, which is a potential complication of adrenal crisis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Counting sponges, needles, and surgical instruments is an intraoperative activity that is specific to the circulating function of the perioperative nurse. The nurse is responsible for maintaining an accurate count of all surgical items to prevent leaving any foreign objects inside the patient after the surgery. This is a crucial task to ensure patient safety and prevent any potential complications that may arise from such errors.
Option a. admitting, identifying, and assessing the patient, is a preoperative function that is usually performed by the preoperative nurse.
Option c. passing instruments to the surgeon and assistants, is a scrub nurse function that requires knowledge of the surgical procedure and a sterile technique.
Option d. preparing the instrument table and sterile equipment is also a scrub nurse function that requires expertise in sterile technique, knowledge of surgical procedures, and the ability to maintain a sterile environment.
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