A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory values and discovers the client has a serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L. Which of the following interventions should the nurse anticipate?
Administering a potassium-sparing diuretic.
Administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
Initiating an IV potassium infusion.
Encouraging the client to eat bananas.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B) Administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
Choice A rationale:
Administering a potassium-sparing diuretic is not appropriate for a client with hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). Potassium-sparing diuretics would further increase potassium levels, worsening the condition.
Choice B rationale:
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used to treat hyperkalemia. It works by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines, which helps to lower serum potassium levels by excreting it through the stool.
Choice C rationale:
Initiating an IV potassium infusion would be contraindicated in this situation as it would increase the already elevated potassium levels, potentially leading to dangerous cardiac complications.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging the client to eat bananas is not advisable because bananas are high in potassium, which would exacerbate hyperkalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A phosphorus level of 4.5 mEq/L falls within the normal range, which is typically between 2.5 to 4.5 mEq/L. Although it's essential to monitor phosphorus levels, it is not the priority finding in this scenario.
Choice B rationale:
A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L is the priority finding. The normal range for potassium is typically between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L indicates severe hypokalemia, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Immediate intervention is necessary to address the potassium imbalance.
Choice C rationale:
A calcium level of 8.2 mg/dL falls within the normal range (typically 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL). While calcium levels are essential to monitor, they do not take precedence over the critically low potassium level in this situation.
Choice D rationale:
A sodium level of 145 mEq/L falls within the normal range, which is usually around 135 to 145 mEq/L. Although monitoring sodium levels is important, it is not the priority finding when compared to the critically low potassium level.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Respiratory acidosis.
Choice A rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis occurs when there is an increase in pH and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) levels, which is not the case here. The pH value in this scenario is 7.22, indicating acidosis.
Choice B rationale:
Respiratory acidosis results from the retention of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) in the blood, leading to a decrease in pH. In this case, the pH is low (7.22), and the PacO₂ is elevated (68 mm Hg), supporting the diagnosis of respiratory acidosis.
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in pH and bicarbonate levels, along with a possible negative base excess. However, in this scenario, the base excess is -2, which does not indicate metabolic acidosis.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is a decrease in PaCO₂, leading to an increase in blood pH. The ABG values provided (pH 7.22, PacO₂ 68 mm Hg) are not consistent with respiratory alkalosis.
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