The nurse is caring for the client with cardiac and renal disease. The client now has a serum potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L. Which medications, if prescribed, should the nurse administer? Select all that apply.
Calcium gluconate 1.5 grams IV now
Dextrose 50% injection (50ml) IV push now
Colace 100 mg PO now
Regular insulin 10 units IV now
Potassium chloride 20 mEq orally now
Correct Answer : A,B,D
A) Calcium gluconate 1.5 grams IV now: Calcium gluconate is administered to counteract the effects of hyperkalemia by stabilizing the myocardial cell membrane. It does not lower potassium levels but helps protect the heart from potential dysrhythmias associated with high potassium levels.
B) Dextrose 50% injection (50ml) IV push now: Dextrose 50% injection, also known as D50W, is administered to temporarily shift potassium from the extracellular space into the intracellular space, thereby lowering serum potassium levels. It is commonly used in combination with insulin to facilitate the movement of potassium into cells.
C) Colace 100 mg PO now: Colace is a stool softener and does not affect serum potassium levels. It is not indicated for the treatment of hyperkalemia.
D) Regular insulin 10 units IV now: Regular insulin is administered with dextrose to facilitate the movement of potassium from the extracellular space into the intracellular space. Insulin stimulates the cellular uptake of glucose, which in turn drives potassium into cells along with glucose.
E) Potassium chloride 20 mEq orally now: Potassium chloride is contraindicated in the treatment of hyperkalemia as it would further increase serum potassium levels. It is typically used to supplement potassium in clients with hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Collect a urine sample from the client: While collecting a urine sample may be necessary for further assessment, it is not the priority in this situation. The client's symptoms of lower back pain, feeling chilled, and itching suggest a potential transfusion reaction, which requires immediate attention to ensure the client's safety. Therefore, collecting a urine sample is not the most appropriate initial action.
B. Return the platelet bag and tubing to the blood bank: Returning the platelet bag and tubing to the blood bank may be necessary after stopping the infusion, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. Stopping the infusion and assessing the client's condition are the immediate priorities to address the potential transfusion reaction.
C. Notify the provider: While it is important to notify the provider about the client's symptoms and the suspected transfusion reaction, this action should follow after stopping the infusion and assessing the client's condition. Immediate intervention to ensure the client's safety takes precedence over contacting the provider.
D. Stop the infusion: This is the correct action. The client's symptoms of lower back pain, feeling chilled, and itching are indicative of a potential transfusion reaction, such as febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction or allergic reaction. The immediate priority is to stop the infusion to prevent further administration of platelets and assess the client's condition. This action takes precedence over other interventions as addressing the client's safety and well-being is paramount in the event of a transfusion reaction.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Administer 200 mL of formula during the initial infusion:
The initial infusion rate for continuous enteral feeding is typically started at a slower rate, often lower than 200 mL, to assess the client's tolerance and prevent complications such as aspiration or dumping syndrome.
B) Give the initial feeding over 15 min:
Continuous enteral feeding is administered slowly over an extended period, usually 24 hours, to ensure gradual delivery of nutrients and minimize the risk of complications such as aspiration or gastrointestinal intolerance. Giving the initial feeding over 15 minutes is too rapid and can lead to adverse events.
C) Reconstitute the formula with tap water:
Reconstituting enteral formula with tap water is not recommended due to the potential risk of contamination with bacteria or other pathogens. It's essential to use sterile water or water that has been specifically purified for enteral feeding to minimize the risk of infection.
D) Discard unused formula after 8 hr:
Unused formula should be discarded after 4 hours, not 8 hours, to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination and ensure the integrity of the enteral nutrition. This practice aligns with guidelines for safe enteral feeding administration.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
