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. Excessive thirst and urination:
Excessive thirst and urination are symptoms typically associated with hyperglycemia, where there is a high level of glucose in the blood, often related to diabetes. When TPN is stopped suddenly, the concern is more about hypoglycemia due to the abrupt lack of glucose infusion, not hyperglycemia.
B. Shakiness and diaphoresis:
When TPN is suddenly interrupted, the continuous supply of glucose that the patient relies on is abruptly halted. This can lead to a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, causing hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shakiness, diaphoresis (sweating), confusion, and even loss of consciousness if not promptly addressed. Monitoring for shakiness and diaphoresis is crucial in this scenario to prevent severe hypoglycemia.
C. Hypertension and crackles:
These symptoms are typically indicative of fluid overload or heart failure. While TPN can contribute to fluid overload if not managed properly, the immediate concern with the cessation of TPN is the lack of glucose and potential hypoglycemia, not fluid overload.
D. Fever and chills:
Fever and chills are generally signs of an infection, such as sepsis. While infections can be a complication of TPN due to the intravenous route of administration, they are not directly related to the sudden stopping of TPN. The primary concern when TPN stops unexpectedly is the risk of hypoglycemia due to the cessation of glucose infusion.
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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