The client's laboratory results indicate that the serum potassium level is 2.5 mEq/L (2.5 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse take?

Reference Range:

Potassium (K+) [3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)]

Prepare to administer a glucose, then insulin, then potassium infusion.

Instruct the client to increase daily intake of potassium rich foods.

Inform the healthcare provider of the need for potassium replacement.

Change the plan of care to include hourly urinary output measurements.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. The combination of glucose and insulin is used to shift potassium into cells, which would lower serum potassium levels further; this is not appropriate for treating hypokalemia.
B. Increasing dietary intake of potassium is important but not sufficient to correct a serum potassium level as low as 2.5 mEq/L, which requires more immediate intervention.
C. A potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L is critically low and can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. The healthcare provider should be informed immediately to initiate potassium replacement therapy, likely via intravenous infusion.
D. Hourly urinary output measurements may be useful but are not the immediate priority in treating severe hypokalemia.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Administering albuterol may help if the shortness of breath is due to bronchospasm, but the priority in heart failure is to assess fluid status and respiratory function.
B. Listening to lung fields is crucial to assess for signs of pulmonary edema, which is a common complication in heart failure. This assessment helps determine the effectiveness of the furosemide and whether further intervention is needed.
C. Measuring urine output is important but secondary to assessing respiratory status.
D. Reviewing serum potassium is important but not as urgent as assessing the client's respiratory status.

A. Withdraw the NGT and reinsert. B. Send fluid specimen to the laboratory. C. Connect the NGT to wall suction. D. Determine pH value of specimen.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Withdrawing and reinserting the NGT should only be done if the tube is misplaced or dislodged.
B. Sending the fluid to the lab is unnecessary unless there is a specific concern, such as infection.
C. Connecting the NGT to wall suction should only be done after confirming proper placement.
D. Determining the pH value of the aspirated fluid helps verify that the NGT is correctly positioned in the stomach. Gastric fluid typically has a pH of 1 to 5, confirming proper placement.

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The client's laboratory results indicate that the serum potassium level is 2.5 mEq/L (2.5 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse take? Reference Range: Potassium (K+) [3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)]

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The client's laboratory results indicate that the serum potassium level is 2.5 mEq/L (2.5 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse take?

Reference Range:

Potassium (K+) [3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)]