The nurse is caring for a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) receiving intravenous (IV) regular insulin. The most recent potassium was 2.9 mEq/L. The nurse should take which priority action:

Assess the client urine output (UOP)

Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG)

Notify the primary healthcare provider (PMHCP)

Stop the regular insulin infusion

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale: Assessing the UOP is important, but not as urgent as correcting the potassium imbalance.

Choice B rationale: Obtaining a 12-lead ECG can help monitor the cardiac status, but it does not address the cause of the problem.

Choice C rationale: The PMHCP can order potassium replacement to prevent cardiac arrhythmias and other adverse effects of low potassium levels.

Choice D rationale: Stopping the regular insulin infusion can worsen the DKA and increase the risk of cerebral edema and coma.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale: Typically associated with potassium depletion rather than elevated levels.

Choice B rationale: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can cause potassium depletion leading to hypokalemia, but it might also cause transient elevations in potassium levels initially. Choice C rationale: Addison disease can cause hyperkalemia, or high potassium, due to decreased renal excretion of potassium and increased retention of sodium and water.

Choice D rationale: Cushing disease can cause hypokalemia, or low potassium, due to increased renal excretion of potassium and decreased reabsorption of sodium and water.

A. The client has chronic pancreatitis. B. The client has cholecystitis. C. The client has cholelithiasis. D. The client has acute pancreatitis.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale: Symptoms and findings described align more with an acute, severe condition rather than a chronic one.

Choice B rationale: While cholecystitis can present with similar symptoms, the radiation of pain to the back is more indicative of a different condition.

Choice C rationale: Cholelithiasis (gallstones) might cause abdominal pain but typically doesn’t lead to fever and hypotension.

Choice D rationale: Symptoms including severe abdominal pain, radiation to the back, fever, and hypotension suggest acute pancreatitis, a potentially serious condition requiring urgent medical attention.

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The nurse is caring for a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) receiving intravenous (IV) regular insulin. The most recent potassium was 2.9 mEq/L. The nurse should take which priority action:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse notes that a client's serum potassium level is 5.9 mEq/L. The nurse interprets this as an expected finding in the client with:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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