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 B
Explanation
A) 41-year-old with hypernatremia:
Hypernatremia refers to elevated levels of sodium in the blood. While hypernatremia can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, it does not directly correlate with an increased risk of hypomagnesemia.
B) 72-year-old with chronic alcoholism:
Chronic alcoholism is a significant risk factor for hypomagnesemia. Alcohol abuse can lead to poor dietary intake of magnesium, increased renal excretion of magnesium, and impaired absorption of magnesium in the gastrointestinal tract, all contributing to magnesium deficiency.
C) 79-year-old with bone cancer:
Bone cancer does not inherently increase the risk of hypomagnesemia. However, depending on the treatment modalities and disease progression, the client may be at risk for other electrolyte imbalances or complications associated with bone cancer.
D) 46-year-old with respiratory acidosis:
Respiratory acidosis refers to an acid-base imbalance characterized by elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the blood due to impaired ventilation. While respiratory acidosis can lead to electrolyte imbalances, particularly potassium imbalances, it is not directly linked to hypomagnesemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "It might help if I tried sleeping only on my back."
Sleeping on the back can actually worsen obstructive sleep apnea because gravity can cause the tongue and soft tissues to obstruct the airway more easily. The recommended position to reduce apneic episodes is to sleep on the side.
B. "I’ll sleep better if I take a sleeping pill at night."
Taking a sleeping pill can relax the muscles of the throat, which might worsen sleep apnea by increasing the likelihood of airway obstruction during sleep.
C. "If I could lose about 50 pounds, I might stop having so many apneic episodes."
Weight loss is a key factor in reducing the frequency and severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Excess weight, particularly around the neck, can increase the risk of airway obstruction during sleep.
D. "I’ll get a humidifier to run at my bedside at night."
While a humidifier can make the air more comfortable to breathe, it does not directly reduce the number of apneic episodes. It might help with symptoms like dry mouth or nasal congestion but is not a primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
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