A nurse removes a client's Foley catheter and documents that the client urinates 4 hours later. Which of the following elements of postoperative care is the nurse performing?

Choice A reason: Measuring blood pressure di?erences is not a method to assess the patency of an AV graft.

Choice B reason: Checking pulses is important but does not confirm the patency of the AV graft.

Choice C reason: Using a Doppler stethoscope at the antecubital fossa is not the standard method for assessing AV graft patency.

Choice D reason: Auscultating for a bruit at the site of the AV graft is a common and non-invasive way to assess for patency.

Choice A rationale: Potassium is primarily excreted by the kidneys. While adequate renal function is necessary, the standard minimum urine output for adults is 30 mL/hour rather than 1 mL/kg/hour.

Choice B rationale: Low potassium levels (2.5 mEq/L) require long-term management. Educating the client on potassium-rich foods like bananas and potatoes helps prevent future depletion and supports overall electrolyte balance.

Choice C rationale: Severe hypokalemia and rapid IV replacement increase the risk of lethal cardiac dysrhythmias. Continuous ECG monitoring is vital to detect life-threatening changes in cardiac conduction and rhythm.

Choice D rationale: Following intravenous replacement, serum levels must be re-evaluated to confirm the effectiveness of the treatment and ensure the client does not develop iatrogenic hyperkalemia.

Choice E rationale: Dextrose stimulates insulin secretion, which causes an intracellular shift of potassium. This can lead to a further decrease in serum potassium levels, worsening the client's hypokalemia.