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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The pH value is less than the normal range of 7.35-7.45, indicating acidosis. The PaCO2 value is elevated above the normal range of 35-45 mmHg, indicating respiratory acidosis. The PaO2 value is lower than normal, but not significantly low enough to indicate hypoxemia. The HCO3- level is within the normal range, but not significantly high enough to indicate metabolic compensation for respiratory acidosis.

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