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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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The client is experiencing severe abdominal incisional pain, and her vital signs indicate an elevated heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. These signs suggest that the client is in distress and may be experiencing pain-related complications.

Assessing the IV site for patency is crucial to ensure that the client is receiving the prescribed IV analgesic medication effectively. If the IV site is not patent or if there is any obstruction, the administration of IV analgesics may be delayed, resulting in inadequate pain relief for the client.

While providing a pillow for splinting can offer comfort and support to the client, it is not the most critical intervention in this situation. Placing the client in a high Fowler position may help with pain management, but it is not the priority at this moment. Administering an IV analgesic is an appropriate intervention, but before doing so, it is essential to ensure that the IV site is patent.

A. Arrange for unlicensed assistive personnel to assist the PN during the procedure. B. Acknowledge that the PN has positioned the client safely and correctly. C. Assume care of the client and assign the PN to the care of a different client. D. Demonstrate to the PN how to position the client more effectively for the procedure.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is choice D. Demonstrate to the PN how to position the client more effectively for the procedure.

Choice A rationale:

Arranging for unlicensed assistive personnel to assist the PN during the procedure does not address the incorrect positioning of the client. The priority is to ensure the client is positioned correctly for the sigmoidoscopy, which is typically on the left side with knees drawn toward the chest.

Choice B rationale:

Acknowledging that the PN has positioned the client safely and correctly is not appropriate because the flat prone position is incorrect for a sigmoidoscopy. The correct position is on the left side with knees drawn toward the chest.

Choice C rationale:

Assuming care of the client and assigning the PN to the care of a different client does not address the educational opportunity. It is important to demonstrate the correct positioning to the PN to ensure proper care in future procedures.

Choice D rationale:

Demonstrating to the PN how to position the client more effectively for the procedure is the correct action. This ensures the client is in the proper position for the sigmoidoscopy and provides an educational opportunity for the PN.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is setting up the equipment to assist with a sigmoidoscopy while the practical nurse (PN) positions the client in a flat prone position. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The practical nurse (PN) reports that a client who has a fingerstick glucose of 35 mg/dL (1.94 mmol/L) is alert and diaphoretic. Which action should the charge nurse take? Reference Ranges Glucose [Reference Range: 0 to 50 years: 74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]

The nurse is developing a plan of care for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). When providing teaching on lowering blood glucose levels and increasing serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, which instruction should the nurse include?

A client who delivered vaginally 2 days ago states that she wants to resume using her diaphragm for birth control. What information should the nurse share with her?

A client with a diagnosis of schizophrenia sits in the day room and fails to interact with the staff or peers. Which intervention is best for the nurse to implement with this client?

When performing suctioning for a client with a tracheostomy, which action should the nurse include?

Following morning care, a client with a C-5 spinal cord injury who is sitting in a wheelchair becomes flushed and complains of a headache. Which intervention should the nurse implementfirst?

A client who weighs 110 pounds receives a prescription for dalteparin 150 units/kg subcutaneously daily for 4 months. The medication is available in 7,500 units/0.3 mL prefilled syringe. How many mL should the nurse administer? (Enter numerical value only.)