A patient with a history of heart failure presents at the emergency department reporting fatigue and weakness. The patient has been taking 50 mg spironolactone tablets orally every day.
The nurse receives a lab report indicating the patient’s serum potassium level is 6.2 mEq/L (6.2 mmol/L). What is the most important intervention for the nurse to implement?
Compare muscle strength bilaterally.
Observe the color and amount of urine.
Determine the apical pulse rate and rhythm.
Assess the strength of deep tendon reflexes.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Comparing muscle strength bilaterally is not the most important intervention in this situation. While muscle weakness can be a symptom of hyperkalemia, it is not the most immediate concern. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, which is a more immediate threat to the patient’s life.
Choice B rationale
Observing the color and amount of urine can provide information about the patient’s renal function, which is important in the regulation of potassium. However, this is not the most immediate concern when a patient’s serum potassium level is dangerously high.
Choice C rationale
Determining the apical pulse rate and rhythm is the most important intervention. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, so the nurse should immediately assess the patient’s heart rate and rhythm. The nurse should also place the patient on a cardiac monitor, if not already done, and notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Choice D rationale
Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes can provide information about neuromuscular function, which can be affected by hyperkalemia. However, this is not the most immediate concern. The nurse’s priority is to assess and monitor for life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["0.8"]
Explanation
Step 1: Convert the client’s weight from pounds to kg. 1 kg is approximately 2.2 lbs. So, 176 lbs
÷ 2.2 = 80 kg (rounded to the nearest whole number).
Step 2: Calculate the total mg of enoxaparin sodium needed per day. The prescription is for 1.5 mg/kg/day. So, 80 kg × 1.5 mg/kg/day = 120 mg/day.
Step 3: Calculate the mL of enoxaparin sodium needed. The medication is available in a 120 mg/0.8 mL prefilled syringe. So, 120 mg ÷ 120 mg/0.8 mL = 0.8 mL. The nurse should administer 0.8 mL.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While obtaining an analgesic prescription might help to alleviate the patient’s joint pain, it is not the first intervention that should be implemented in an acute adrenal crisis. The patient’s low blood pressure and high heart rate are immediate life-threatening conditions that need to be addressed first.
Choice B rationale
Infusing an intravenous fluid bolus is the first intervention that should be implemented in an acute adrenal crisis. This can help to increase the patient’s blood pressure, which is dangerously low.
Choice C rationale
Administering a PRN oral antipyretic could help to reduce the patient’s fever, but it is not the first intervention that should be implemented in an acute adrenal crisis. The patient’s low blood pressure and high heart rate are immediate life-threatening conditions that need to be addressed first.
Choice D rationale
Covering the patient with a cooling blanket could help to reduce the patient’s fever, but it is not the first intervention that should be implemented in an acute adrenal crisis. The patient’s low blood pressure and high heart rate are immediate life-threatening conditions that need to be addressed first.
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