The client is receiving a liter of 0.9% sodium chloride with potassium chloride (KCI) 30 mEq IV to infuse over 4 hours. Which nursing action has the highest priority for this client?
Maintain continuous cardiac monitoring.
Monitor urinary output.
Check a serum potassium level postinfusion.
Obtain vital signs every 2 hours.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Potassium affects the electrical activity of the heart, and abnormal potassium levels can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias or other complications. Continuous cardiac monitoring is crucial when administering potassium chloride because it helps detect any arrhythmias or changes in heart function that might be caused by changes in potassium levels.
B. Monitoring urinary output is important because adequate urine output helps assess kidney function and ensures that potassium is being excreted properly. While monitoring urinary output is important, it is secondary to immediate cardiac monitoring during the infusion.
C. Checking the serum potassium level after the infusion is important to confirm that potassium levels have normalized or stayed within the target range. However, this action is not as immediate as continuous cardiac monitoring during the infusion.
D. Regular monitoring of vital signs is important to assess overall client stability and detect any systemic changes. However, obtaining vital signs every 2 hours might not be as critical as continuous cardiac monitoring when administering potassium.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Assessing the client for pain is a crucial step because pain can cause disorientation and agitation, especially after surgery. Pain might be a reason for the client's behavior. Addressing pain effectively can help improve the client’s comfort and potentially reduce disorientation and risky behavior.
B. Applying wrist restraints should be considered a last resort and only when other interventions are not effective or if there is an immediate danger to the client. Restraints can increase agitation and potentially lead to other complications.
C. Determining the client's blood pressure can be important, especially if there are concerns about hypotension or other cardiovascular issues that might contribute to disorientation. However, it is usually more effective to first address potential pain or discomfort.
D. Administering a sedative may be appropriate in cases of severe agitation or disorientation, but it should not be the first action. It is essential to first identify and address any underlying causes of the client’s behavior, such as pain, before resorting to pharmacological interventions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While practicing strength-building exercises for the arms, such as isometric exercises for the biceps and triceps, is beneficial for overall crutch use, it does not directly indicate proper crutch walking technique.
B. This choice is not correct for a three-point gait, especially in the case of a broken foot. In a three-point gait, the client should avoid bearing weight on the affected leg, as this gait is used to promote healing of a non-weight-bearing limb.
C. This behavior indicates a correct understanding of crutch walking. In the three-point gait, the client should bear weight on the crutches' handles and not on the armpits, which helps prevent nerve damage and provides better stability.
D. While it is important for safety to ensure that the rubber tips of the crutches are intact and not worn out, this behavior does not directly demonstrate the client’s understanding of the three-point gait technique.
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