A nurse is preparing to administer potassium chloride to a client who has a potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Hold the medication until the client has his evening meal.

Inform the provider of the client's potassium level.

Obtain a prescription to increase the dosage of the medication.

Give the medication as prescribed.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Hold the medication until the client has his evening meal: Holding the medication for this reason is inappropriate because the issue is the elevated potassium level, not the timing with meals.
B. Inform the provider of the client's potassium level: Correct. A potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L is elevated (hyperkalemia), and the provider should be informed immediately before administering any more potassium.
C. Obtain a prescription to increase the dosage of the medication: Increasing the dosage would be dangerous given the elevated potassium level.
D. Give the medication as prescribed: Administering potassium chloride with a high potassium level is unsafe and could exacerbate the hyperkalemia.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Temporary urinary retention: After removal of an indwelling catheter, especially in older adults, temporary urinary retention can occur due to decreased bladder tone or urethral irritation.
B. Blood-tinged urine: This is not an expected outcome; it could indicate trauma or infection and should be evaluated.
C. Urinary frequency for several days: While increased frequency might occur immediately after catheter removal, it is not typically expected to last for several days.
D. Highly concentrated urine: Urine concentration would depend on the client's hydration status rather than the removal of the catheter.

A. Potassium 2.5 mEq/L B. Sodium 142 mEq/L C. Urine specific gravity 1.025 D. Blood glucose 110 mg/dL

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Potassium 2.5 mEq/L: Hypokalemia is a critical finding that can cause severe cardiac and muscular complications, making it the priority.
B. Sodium 142 mEq/L: This sodium level is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L) and does not indicate an immediate threat.
C. Urine specific gravity 1.025: This specific gravity indicates concentrated urine, which is expected in dehydration, but it is not the most critical finding.
D. Blood glucose 110 mg/dL: This blood glucose level is within the normal range and does not indicate an immediate threat.

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A nurse is preparing to administer potassium chloride to a client who has a potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

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