The healthcare provider prescribes a 5% dextrose injection 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 [3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)]
Glucose [74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]
Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram daily.
Evaluate glucose levels before and after meals.
Monitor and document strict intake and output.
Assess the serum potassium level every 4 hours.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: While obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram is important for monitoring cardiac function, it is not as frequent or specific as potassium monitoring for hyperkalemia management.
Choice B reason: Evaluating glucose levels is necessary due to the risk of hypoglycemia from insulin administration, but the priority is monitoring potassium levels in hyperkalemia.
Choice C reason: Monitoring intake and output is part of fluid balance management but is secondary to the critical need to monitor serum potassium levels.
Choice D reason: Frequent assessment of serum potassium levels is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the dextrose and insulin therapy in lowering potassium levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Reviewing the medical record for the date of insertion is important but does not address the immediate concern of pain or potential complications at the IV site.
Choice B reason: Applying ice and then a warm compress may be used for phlebitis or infiltration, but if the client is experiencing pain, the priority is to address the potential for complications.
Choice C reason: Documentation is a necessary step, but it should not be the first action taken when a client reports pain at the IV site.
Choice D reason: If the IV site is painful, it may be indicative of infiltration, phlebitis, or another complication. The nurse should discontinue the painful IV and insert a new one at a different site to prevent further discomfort and potential harm to the client.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Right lower abdominal pain is not typically associated with Wernicke's syndrome and would likely indicate a different issue.
Choice B reason: Peripheral neuropathy can be a symptom of Wernicke's syndrome, but it is not as central to the condition as confusion, which is a hallmark sign.
Choice C reason: Confusion is a primary symptom of Wernicke's syndrome and should be used in planning the client's care, as it indicates acute encephalopathy and the need for immediate treatment with thiamine.
Choice D reason: Depression may be present in clients with Wernicke's syndrome, but it is not a primary assessment finding used to plan care for the acute stage of the condition.
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