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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Paying close attention to the client’s account of the event is important, but it is not the most crucial intervention. The nurse should listen empathetically and nonjudgmentally to the client’s account, but this should not take precedence over ensuring the client’s physical well- being and preserving evidence.
Choice B rationale
Reporting the incident to the university’s security department is not the most crucial intervention. While it is important to report the incident to the appropriate authorities, the nurse’s primary responsibility is to the client. Ensuring the client’s physical well-being and preserving evidence should take precedence.
Choice C rationale
Preventing the client from showering until all evidence is collected is the most crucial intervention. Showering can destroy valuable physical evidence that can be used in the investigation and prosecution of the crime.
Choice D rationale
Ascertaining the client’s personal reaction to the reported rape is important, but it is not the most crucial intervention. The nurse should provide emotional support and refer the client to counseling services, but this should not take precedence over ensuring the client’s physical well-being and preserving evidence.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Activating the synchronization mode is important during cardioversion to avoid delivering a shock during the vulnerable period of cardiac repolarization, which could potentially cause a life-threatening arrhythmia. However, it is not the most crucial action.
Choice B rationale
Choosing a monitor lead with a tall R wave can help ensure that the cardioverter-defibrillator can sense the patient’s intrinsic cardiac activity. However, this is not the most crucial action.
Choice C rationale
Administering the prescribed sedative is the most crucial action before initiating cardioversion. Sedation is necessary to ensure patient comfort and cooperation during the procedure, as cardioversion can be painful.
Choice D rationale
Verifying the prothrombin time (PT) is important in patients receiving anticoagulation therapy, as atrial fibrillation increases the risk of thrombus formation. However, it is not the most crucial action before initiating cardioversion.
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