The nurse observes a new employee, an uncertified nursing assistant (UAP), checking the temperature using a tympanic thermometer. The UAP pulls the client's auricle up and back and prepares to insert the thermometer.
Which action should the nurse implement?

Hyperkalemia is a condition where there is an elevated level of potassium in the blood.

It can occur in patients with renal disease due to the kidneys’ reduced ability to excrete potassium.

Treatment-related side effects, such as certain medications or chemotherapy, can also contribute to hyperkalemia by altering potassium levels in the body1.

Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac conduction disturbances2.

Therefore, it is important for the nurse to determine the apical pulse rate and rhythm.

Choice A is not correct because comparing muscle strength bilaterally is not the most important intervention for a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L).

Choice C is not correct because measuring color and amount of urine is not the most important intervention for a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L).

Choice D is not correct because assessing strength of deep tendon reflexes is not the most important intervention for a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L).

The most important intervention the nurse should take when administering these medications to the client is to assess the client’s pain level and administer the appropriate medication based on the level of pain.

Choice A is not the correct answer because administering all medications at the same time may not provide effective pain relief and could result in overmedication.

Choice B is not the correct answer because administering the medication with the highest dose first may not provide effective pain relief and could result in overmedication.

Choice D is not the correct answer because administering the medication with the longest duration of action first may not provide immediate pain relief.