The healthcare provider prescribes 5% Dextrose Injection, USP with 20 units of regular insulin for a client with a serum potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L (6.0 mmol/L) and glucose level of 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L). Which evaluation is most important for the nurse to include in this client's plan of care?

Reference Range

Potassium [Reference Range: 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)]

Glucose [Reference Range: 0 to 50 years: 74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]

Evaluate glucose levels before and after meals.

Assess the serum potassium level every 4 hours.

Monitor and document strict intake and output.

Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram daily.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

The client's serum potassium level is elevated at 6.0 mEq/L (6.0 mmol/L), which is above the normal reference range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L).

Hyperkalemia can have significant cardiac implications, including the potential for life-threatening dysrhythmias. Therefore, close monitoring of the serum potassium level is crucial to assess the effectiveness of interventions and ensure that potassium levels are within a safe range.

While monitoring glucose levels before and after meals is important for clients receiving insulin therapy, in this scenario, the primary concern is the elevated potassium level.

The nurse should prioritize frequent assessment of the serum potassium level to guide appropriate management and prevent complications associated with hyperkalemia.

Monitoring and documenting strict intake and output are important for assessing fluid balance and renal function, but in this case, the elevated potassium level takes precedence as it poses a more immediate risk to the client's well-being.

Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) daily may be indicated in some cases of hyperkalemia, as certain ECG changes can be associated with elevated potassium levels. However, the more critical aspect is monitoring the potassium level itself, as ECG changes can occur rapidly and may not always be detectable on a daily basis.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

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

Explanation

A) Incorrect - Red blood cell count (RBC) is not directly relevant to the assessment of infection and its spread.
B) Correct- Core body temperature can be an indicator of systemic infection and needs to be reported to the healthcare provider for assessment and intervention.
C) Correct- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin suggest local and regional lymphatic involvement, indicating possible spread of infection. This finding needs further assessment and intervention.
D) Incorrect - The location of the initial intravenous (IV) site is not directly relevant to the assessment of infection and its spread.
E) Correct- An elevated white blood cell count (WBC) can indicate an inflammatory response to infection. This finding should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.

A. Elevate head of bed no higher than 30 degrees. B. Affirm blood glucose is below 160 mg/dL (8.88 mmol/L) C. Check for a stat intravenous diuretic prescription. D. Obtain a manual blood pressure measurement.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A pounding headache in a client with COPD may be a symptom of increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood, known as hypercapnia. Hypercapnia can lead to vasodilation, resulting in headaches. In this situation, it is crucial to assess the client's blood pressure to determine if it is elevated, as this could be contributing to the headache.

Obtaining a manual blood pressure measurement allows for a more accurate assessment of the client's blood pressure compared to automated measurements. It is important to assess both systolic and diastolic blood pressures, as elevated blood pressure can worsen headaches and have other negative effects on the client's health.

Elevating the head of the bed no higher than 30 degrees is a general measure used to improve respiratory function in clients with COPD. However, in this specific situation, it may not directly address the pounding headache. Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce dyspnea and improve oxygenation, but it may not alleviate the headache caused by hypercapnia.

Affirming blood glucose levels are below 160 mg/dL (8.88 mmol/L) is not the primary concern in this case. While high blood glucose levels can have various effects on the body, including headaches, the priority is to assess the client's blood pressure due to the specific context of a COPD exacerbation.

Checking for a stat intravenous diuretic prescription is not necessary in response to the client's headache. Diuretics are typically used to remove excess fluid from the body and may not directly address the underlying cause of the headache in this situation.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

After a spider bite on the lower extremity, a client is admitted for treatment of an infection that is spreading up the leg. Which admission assessment finding(s) should the nurse report to the healthcare provider? (Select all that apply.)

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

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client admitted with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who reports a pounding headache. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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The home health nurse is assessing an older client who lives alone. The client reports being troubled by constipation. Which additional information should the nurse obtain to formulate a plan of care? (Select all that apply.)

An older client is taken to the clinic by the spouse, who appears extremely worried. The spouse reports to the nurse that the client started to not make any sense and asked to visit a brother who has been dead for many years. Which action(s) should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)