In reviewing the electrolytes of a patient, the nurse notes the serum potassium level has increased from 4.3 mEq/L to 5.9 mEq/L. Which assessment does the nurse initiate first to prevent further harm?

Oxygen Stats

Pulse rate and Rhythm

Respiratory rate and depth

Deep tendon reflexes

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

An increased serum potassium level, also known as hyperkalemia, can have adverse effects on the electrical conduction of the heart, potentially leading to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the patient's pulse rate and rhythm promptly to identify any abnormal cardiac activity.

Assessing the oxygen saturation (oxygen stats), respiratory rate and depth, and deep tendon reflexes are also important assessments, but they are not the priority in this case. Hyperkalemia primarily affects cardiac function, and prompt identification of any potential cardiac rhythm disturbances is essential to prevent further harm.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Pancytopenia refers to a decrease in all three major blood cell types: red blood cells (anemia), white blood cells (leukopenia), and platelets (thrombocytopenia). It is a potentially serious side effect that can lead to increased susceptibility to infections, anemia-related symptoms (fatigue, weakness), and an increased risk of bleeding. Prompt reporting is necessary for further

evaluation and appropriate management.

While melena (dark, tarry stools) is a concerning side effect, it typically indicates gastrointestinal bleeding, which should also be reported promptly but may not require immediate action unless the bleeding is severe or accompanied by other symptoms.

Decreased vision can be a side effect of certain medications, including NSAIDs, but it does not usually require immediate reporting unless it is severe or rapidly progressive. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) can occur with NSAID therapy, especially in individuals with preexisting diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance. While it should be monitored and managed appropriately, it does not typically require immediate reporting unless it is extremely high or associated with other concerning symptoms.

A. The client has a fever. B. The patient requested that suctioning be performed. C. Crackles and wheezing is heard upon auscultation D. The tracheostomy dressing has a moderate amount of serosanguineous drainage. E. Suction was performed more than (4) hours ago.

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

Explanation

Crackles and wheezing indicate the presence of excessive mucus or secretions in the airways, which may require suctioning to clear the airway and improve breathing.

The presence of serosanguineous drainage on the tracheostomy dressing may indicate increased mucus production or bleeding, suggesting the need for suctioning to remove secretions or assess for any bleeding complications.

Regular suctioning is necessary to maintain a patent airway for patients with a tracheostomy. If suctioning was performed more than 4 hours ago, it may be time for another suctioning session to prevent the accumulation of secretions and maintain airway clearance. While a fever may indicate an underlying infection or inflammation, it does not specifically indicate the need for suctioning. The decision to suction should be based on the patient's respiratory assessment and the presence of respiratory symptoms.

While patient requests and preferences are important, the need for suctioning should be determined based on clinical indicators and assessment findings rather than solely relying on patient requests.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

In reviewing the electrolytes of a patient, the nurse notes the serum potassium level has increased from 4.3 mEq/L to 5.9 mEq/L. Which assessment does the nurse initiate first to prevent further harm?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is receiving nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy. Which side effect of NSAID therapy should the nurse immediately report to the health care provider?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which condition or changes indicate to the nurse that a patient with a tracheostomy requires suctioning? Select all that apply.

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

Explanation

What signs and symptoms are associated with a hypersensitivity reaction that can present with a Cephalosporin?

A patient with a gastric outlet obstruction has been treated with NG decompression. After the first 24 hours, the patient develops nausea and increased upper abdominal bowel sounds. What is the best action by the nurse?

A child diagnosed with Kawasaki disease is brought to the clinic. The mother reports that her child is irritable, refuses to eat, and has skin peeling on both hands and feet. Which intervention should the nurse instruct the mother to implement first?

A nurse practitioner orders 1 liter of 0.9% normal saline to infuse over 6 hours. How many milliliters per hour will the nurse program the IV infusion device? Round off.

Which nursing documentation demonstrates the integration of patient-centered care?

Cephalosporins are similar to another group of beta-lactam antibiotics called the?

The nurse is planning to teach the patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) about foods or beverages that decrease lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure. What should be included in this list (select all that apply)?

The nurse receives an order to draw a peak level on a patient prescribed Gentamicin via Intravenous (IV) infusion. When is the best time for the nurse to draw this peak level?