The RN is using clinical judgment to determine which patient she needs to see first. What is one primary reason for prioritizing care?

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because stopping the KCl infusion is the first and most urgent action that the nurse should take. A high level of potassium in the blood, or hyperkalemia, can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. The nurse should stop the source of excess potassium, which is the KCl infusion, and monitor the client's vital signs, electrocardiogram, and symptoms.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer because administering oral KCl is not the first or appropriate action that the nurse should take. Oral KCl would increase the potassium level in the blood, which is already too high. The nurse should avoid giving any potassium supplements or foods that are high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, and potatoes.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer because encouraging fluids for dilution is not the first or effective action that the nurse should take. Fluids alone would not lower the potassium level in the blood, but rather dilute the concentration of other electrolytes, such as sodium and calcium. The nurse should administer fluids only as prescribed by the physician, and in conjunction with other treatments, such as diuretics, insulin, or sodium bicarbonate.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because calling the pharmacy is not the first or priority action that the nurse should take. Calling the pharmacy may be necessary to obtain the medications that can lower the potassium level in the blood, such as diuretics, insulin, or sodium bicarbonate. However, the nurse should first stop the KCl infusion and notify the physician, who will order the appropriate medications and dosages.

Choice A reason: This is not the correct answer because offering to notify the health care provider after morning rounds are completed is not the first action that the critically thinking nurse should take. The nurse should act promptly and advocate for the patient's pain management needs, rather than delaying the communication with the health care provider.

Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because exploring other options for pain relief is the first action that the critically thinking nurse should take. The nurse should assess the patient's pain level, location, quality, and contributing factors, and use a multimodal approach to pain management that includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, such as ice, heat, distraction, relaxation, or massage.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer because discussing the surgical procedure and reason for the pain is not the first action that the critically thinking nurse should take. The nurse should focus on alleviating the patient's pain, rather than educating the patient about the surgery. The nurse can provide information and reassurance to the patient after the pain is controlled.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because explaining to the patient that nothing else has been ordered is not the first action that the critically thinking nurse should take. The nurse should not dismiss the patient's pain or imply that the patient has no other options for pain relief. The nurse should collaborate with the patient and the health care provider to find the best pain management plan for the patient.