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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Massaging the back to promote diaphragmatic excursion can be beneficial but is not the most effective intervention compared to early mobilization.
Choice B reason: Assisting the client to sit in a chair encourages lung expansion and sputum clearance, which are crucial for preventing atelectasis and pneumonia.
Choice C reason: Noting areas of atelectasis on chest x-rays is important for monitoring, but it is not an intervention that actively prevents respiratory complications.
Choice D reason: Providing ice or oral liquids when the client passes flatus is related to gastrointestinal recovery, not respiratory complications.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Children's aspirin is not recommended due to the risk of Reye's syndrome and is not typically used for post-vaccination care.
Choice B reason: While fever can occur after vaccination, not all fevers are serious and can often be managed at home unless they are high or persistent.
Choice C reason: Keeping the child home from daycare is not necessary unless the child is feeling unwell or has a fever.
Choice D reason: Applying a cool pack to the injection site is a common recommendation to reduce discomfort and swelling after vaccinations.
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