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.
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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Wear sterile gloves when withdrawing the medication from the ampule: Sterile gloves are not necessary; clean gloves are sufficient.
B. Shake the ampule to move the solution below the neck: Shaking the ampule can cause the solution to spill. Tapping the ampule gently is recommended.
C. Snap the top of the ampule towards hands: Snapping the top towards hands can result in injury. The ampule should be snapped away from the hands.
D. Use a filter needle to draw up the medication: A filter needle prevents glass particles from being drawn up into the syringe.
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