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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While it’s important to understand how the coffee ended up on the tray, determining which staff member made the mistake does not address the immediate issue of ensuring the client’s diet is appropriate. The priority should be to correct the dietary error and ensure that the client receives only what is appropriate for their diet.
B. Consulting with a dietician could provide clarity on dietary restrictions and allowances. However, if the client is on a clear liquid diet, coffee is typically not included because it may have additives (like milk or creamer) or may not be considered suitable for the clear liquid diet.
C. Coffee, unless specified as permissible, generally does not meet the criteria for a clear liquid diet due to its potential to be mixed with non-clear substances and its stimulant properties. Removing the coffee and informing the client of the dietary restriction ensures that the client adheres to the prescribed diet and avoids potential complications or issues with their treatment.
D. This action is not suitable for a clear liquid diet. Coffee itself is typically not allowed on a clear liquid diet, regardless of whether milk or creamer is added. This choice does not address the fundamental issue of the coffee being inappropriate for the client’s diet.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While napping can be beneficial for some people, a nap of 15 minutes may not address the root causes of the client’s sleep difficulties, such as stress and chronic headaches. Additionally, napping during the day can sometimes interfere with nighttime sleep.
B. Reducing or eliminating stressful situations is a valuable goal for improving overall well-being and sleep quality. However, this recommendation is often not immediately actionable or practical, as stressors in life can be difficult to eliminate completely. It’s more effective to focus on identifying and managing stress through practical and immediate interventions.
C. Assessing the client's sleep and activity patterns is a critical step in identifying potential causes of sleep disturbances. Understanding the client’s current sleep habits, daily routines, and factors affecting their sleep can help in developing an effective plan of care.
D. While medication might be necessary for some clients, it should not be the first line of intervention without a thorough assessment. PRN (as needed) medications for stress might not address the root causes of sleep issues and could potentially lead to dependence or other side effects.
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