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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Chills and fever are not typically associated with preeclampsia. They are more commonly seen in infections.
Choice B rationale
Lack of appetite is a non-specific symptom and can be associated with many conditions, but it is not a key indicator of preeclampsia.
Choice C rationale
Swollen hands can be a symptom of preeclampsia. This condition can cause sudden weight gain and swelling (edema), particularly in your face and hands.

Choice D rationale
Headaches are a common symptom of preeclampsia. They are often severe and may be accompanied by changes in vision.
Choice E rationale
Blurred vision is a symptom of preeclampsia. Other vision changes, such as sensitivity to light or temporary loss of vision, can also occur.
Choice F rationale
Frequent urination is not typically associated with preeclampsia. It is a common symptom in early and late pregnancy due to the growing uterus pressing on the bladder.

A. Determine the presence of ST-elevations or non-ST-elevations on the electrocardiogram B. Initiate dim lighting, lower alarm volumes, and control traffic in and out of the room area C. Verify troponin level assessments are scheduled every 3-6 hours for a series of three D. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula and titrate to keep oxygen saturation above 93%

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Determining the presence of ST-elevations or non-ST-elevations on the electrocardiogram is an important step in diagnosing a myocardial infarction. However, this is typically performed by a healthcare provider or a trained technician, not a nurse.
Choice B rationale
While creating a calm and quiet environment can be beneficial for a client experiencing chest pain, it is not the immediate intervention that should be performed. The client’s symptoms suggest a possible cardiac event, which requires immediate medical intervention.
Choice C rationale
Verifying that troponin level assessments are scheduled every 3-6 hours for a series of three is important for diagnosing myocardial infarction. However, this is not the immediate intervention that should be performed. The client’s symptoms suggest a possible cardiac event, which requires immediate medical intervention.
Choice D rationale
Applying oxygen via nasal cannula and titrating to keep oxygen saturation above 93% is the correct intervention. This action helps to increase the oxygen supply to the myocardium, potentially decreasing the extent of myocardial damage and relieving chest pain.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is educating a first-time pregnant woman about preeclampsia. Which symptoms are indicators of preeclampsia and should be reported to the healthcare provider? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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