The RN receives a call from the lab that a client's potassium chloride (KCl) level is 6.6 (normal range is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L). What should the nurse do first?
Stop the KCl infusion
Administer oral KCl
Encourage fluids for dilution
Call the pharmacy
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Administering a vaccine to a well child is an example of the RN working in a health promotion role through primary prevention. Primary prevention is the level of prevention that aims to prevent disease or injury before it occurs. It involves reducing exposure to risk factors and enhancing protective factors. Vaccination is a primary prevention strategy that protects the child from contracting or spreading infectious diseases, such as measles, polio, or tetanus.
Choice B reason: Obtaining a blood glucose level on a client with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is not an example of the RN working in a health promotion role through primary prevention. This is an example of the RN working in a disease management role through tertiary prevention. Tertiary prevention is the level of prevention that aims to reduce the complications and disability associated with chronic or irreversible diseases or injuries. It involves providing treatment, rehabilitation, and support services. Obtaining a blood glucose level on a client with hypoglycemia is a tertiary prevention strategy that monitors the client's condition and prevents further deterioration or complications, such as coma or seizures.
Choice C reason: Educating a patient on wound care is not an example of the RN working in a health promotion role through primary prevention. This is an example of the RN working in a disease management role through secondary prevention. Secondary prevention is the level of prevention that aims to detect and treat diseases or injuries early, before they become more serious or chronic. It involves screening, diagnosis, and intervention. Educating a patient on wound care is a secondary prevention strategy that helps the patient to prevent infection, promote healing, and avoid complications, such as scarring or gangrene.
Choice D reason: Administering a nebulizer treatment to a client with asthma is not an example of the RN working in a health promotion role through primary prevention. This is an example of the RN working in a disease management role through tertiary prevention. Tertiary prevention is the level of prevention that aims to reduce the complications and disability associated with chronic or irreversible diseases or injuries. It involves providing treatment, rehabilitation, and support services. Administering a nebulizer treatment to a client with asthma is a tertiary prevention strategy that helps the client to relieve symptoms, improve lung function, and prevent exacerbations, such as asthma attacks.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Cataracts are a condition that causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy and opaque. They can cause symptoms such as blurred vision, glare, halos, and reduced color perception. They do not affect the shape of the lines on the Amsler grid or the center of vision.
Choice B reason: Glaucoma is a condition that causes increased pressure in the eye and damage to the optic nerve. It can cause symptoms such as gradual loss of peripheral vision, tunnel vision, and eye pain. It does not affect the shape of the lines on the Amsler grid or the center of vision.
Choice C reason: Macular degeneration is a condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina. It can cause symptoms such as distorted vision, dark spots, and loss of central vision. It can affect the shape of the lines on the Amsler grid and the center of vision.
Choice D reason: Retinal detachment is a condition that occurs when the retina separates from the back of the eye. It can cause symptoms such as flashes, floaters, and a curtain-like vision loss. It does not affect the shape of the lines on the Amsler grid or the center of vision.
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