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.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Incorrect - Skin redness might indicate irritation, but the initial focus should be on the client's sensation.
B) Incorrect - Decreasing the strength of the electrical signals might be premature if the sensation is normal.
C) Incorrect - The amount of gel coating on the electrodes might not be the primary issue if the client is feeling a tingling sensation.
D) Correct- A tingling sensation is normal and expected when using a TENS unit, and it does not indicate any harm or damage to the skin or nerves. However, the sensation should not be painful or unpleasant for the client, and the nurse should adjust the intensity of the electrical signals accordingly.

A. The amount of time the child was submerged B. Temperature of water C. Whether or not anyone witnessed the fall into the pool D. Oxygen concentration of the ambient air E. The weight of the child

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

A) Correct- The duration of submersion is a critical factor in determining the potential level of hypoxemia. Prolonged submersion leads to a higher risk of severe hypoxia and its associated complications.
B) Incorrect- While water temperature can affect the body's response to submersion, it is not directly related to the level of hypoxemia. Hypoxemia primarily results from the lack of oxygen intake during submersion.
C) Correct- Witnessing the fall into the pool is important because immediate initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can improve the chances of a positive outcome. Bystander CPR can help maintain oxygenation and circulation until professional help arrives.
D) Correct- The oxygen concentration in the surrounding air is crucial for oxygen delivery to the body's tissues. In cases of submersion, the availability of oxygen in the air the child is breathing plays a role in determining the level of hypoxemia.
E) Incorrect- The weight of the child is not a significant factor in determining the level of hypoxemia during submersion. The primary determinants are factors like submersion duration, availability of oxygen, and prompt initiation of CPR.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with persistent low back pain has received a prescription for an electronic stimulator (TENS) unit. After the nurse applies the electrodes and turns on the power, the client reports feeling a tingling sensation. How should the nurse respond?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Exhibits here Review H and P. What factors are important in determining the level of hypoxemia that the child may have experienced during the submersion? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client with the sexually transmitted infection (STI) genital herpes. The client reports having sex with multiple partners. Which response should the nurse provide

The healthcare provider prescribes 500 mL intravenous (IV) bolus of 0.9% normal saline to be infused over 30 minutes. How many mL/hour should the nurse set the infusion pump? (Enter numerical value only.)

The nurse observes a client prepare a meal in the kitchen of a rehabilitation facility prior to discharge. Which behavior(s) indicate the client understands how to maintain balance safely? (Select all that apply.)

The school nurse is called to the soccer field because a child has a nose bleed (epistaxis). In which position should the nurse place the child?

The nurse is triaging several children as they present to the emergency room after a school bus accident. Which child requires the most immediate intervention by the nurse?

Exhibits here What should the nurse include in pre-discharge education for this child's parents? Select all that apply.

The nurse is caring for a client who reports running out of aspirin 1 week ago and taking ibuprofen as a replacement. Which information should the nurse obtain from the client first?