The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with cancer. The client has discussed having a DNR order written but is undecided. The nurse enters the client's room with their domestic partner sitting at the client's bedside. The nurse assesses that the client is not breathing spontaneously & unresponsive. What is the first appropriate action by the nurse?

A. Hyperkalemia can have significant cardiac effects, potentially leading to life-threatening arrhythmias such as bradycardia, heart block, ventricular tachycardia, or ventricular fibrillation. As potassium levels rise, it affects the electrical conduction of the heart, leading to changes in the ECG (electrocardiogram) and potentially causing fatal arrhythmias.

B. While hyperkalemia primarily affects the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal symptoms can also occur. These may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. However, these symptoms are typically less severe compared to cardiac manifestations. Monitoring for gastrointestinal symptoms helps in assessing overall clinical status but is not as critical as assessing cardiac function in the context of hyperkalemia.

C. Respiratory symptoms are not typically associated with hyperkalemia unless severe acid-base disturbances are present. Potassium imbalance itself does not directly affect respiratory function. Therefore, while it is important to assess respiratory status in any client, it is not the priority in the context of hyperkalemia.

D. Hyperkalemia can affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, tingling sensations, and even paralysis in severe cases. However, neurologic symptoms usually occur at higher potassium levels or in the presence of significant electrolyte imbalances affecting nerve function.

Monitoring for neurologic symptoms is important but is generally secondary to assessing cardiac status in the context of approaching severe hyperkalemia.

B. Such an assessment helps in determining the level of assistance the client will need and ensures the safety of both the client and the nurse.

A. Helping the client to sit at the edge of the bed allows them to acclimate to being upright, assess their readiness to stand, and ensures their safety before attempting to walk. However, it is not the priority.

C. After assisting the client to a sitting position at the edge of the bed and assessing their readiness, the nurse can proceed to help the client into a standing position. However, it is not the priority.

D. This option may be necessary if the client requires two-person assistance due to their condition, mobility status, or safety concerns. However, asking for assistance typically comes after assessing the client's readiness and ensuring they are positioned correctly for ambulation.