A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory results and notices that the potassium level is 6.2 mEq/L. The nurse knows that this value indicates hyperkalemia. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate to administer?

A high INR indicates that the client is at risk of bleeding due to excessive anticoagulation. The nurse should first assess for signs of bleeding, such as bruising, petechiae, hematuria, or melena.

Then, the nurse should notify the provider and follow orders to reverse the anticoagulation effect, such as administering vitamin K or fresh frozen plasma.

Holding the next dose of warfarin may be appropriate, but it is not the priority action.

Incorrect choices:

a) Administer vitamin K: Vitamin K is an antidote for warfarin overdose, but it should not be given without a provider's order. It may also take several hours to reverse the anticoagulation effect.

b) Notify the provider: Notifying the provider is an important step, but it is not the first action. The nurse should assess the client's condition before calling the provider.

c) Hold the next dose of warfarin: Holding the next dose of warfarin may prevent further anticoagulation, but it does not address the current risk of bleeding. The nurse should assess and intervene for bleeding before holding the medication.

The first step in managing a missed or delayed medication is to check if another nurse has given or withheld the medication for some reason. This can prevent duplicate or omitted doses and ensure continuity of care. The nurse should also check if there are any contraindications or changes in orders for giving the medication.

Incorrect choices:

b) Give the medication as soon as possible: Giving the medication as soon as possible may be appropriate, but it is not the first action. The nurse should verify if another nurse has given or withheld the medication before administering it.

c) Document why the medication was delayed: Documenting why the medication was delayed is important, but it is not the first action. The nurse should verify if another nurse has given or withheld the medication and give it if indicated before documenting.

d) Report the incident to the charge nurse: Reporting the incident to the charge nurse may be necessary, but it is not the first action. The nurse should verify if another nurse has given or withheld the medication and give it if indicated before reporting.