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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: White rice is not a food that can cause diarrhea, as it is a bland and starchy food that can help bind the stool and reduce the frequency of bowel movements.
Choice B reason: Ripe bananas are not a food that can cause diarrhea, as they are rich in potassium, which can help replenish the electrolytes lost due to diarrhea. They also contain pectin, a soluble fiber that can help firm up the stool.
Choice C reason: Low-fiber cereal is not a food that can cause diarrhea, as it is easy to digest and does not irritate the intestinal lining. It can also provide some energy and nutrients for the body.
Choice D reason: Prunes are a food that can cause diarrhea, as they are high in sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that can have a laxative effect and draw water into the colon. They also contain insoluble fiber, which can increase the bulk and speed of the stool.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Cognitive domain of learning involves the mental processes of acquiring, storing, and applying knowledge. It includes skills such as remembering, understanding, analyzing, and evaluating. An example of cognitive learning is the RN asking the client to explain the purpose and effects of his inhaler.
Choice B reason: Affective domain of learning involves the emotional aspects of learning, such as attitudes, values, beliefs, and feelings. It includes skills such as receiving, responding, valuing, and committing. An example of affective learning is the RN asking the client how he feels about using his inhaler.
Choice C reason: Psychomotor domain of learning involves the physical aspects of learning, such as movement, coordination, and manipulation. It includes skills such as imitating, practicing, adapting, and creating. An example of psychomotor learning is the RN asking the client to demonstrate proper use of his inhaler.
Choice D reason: Kinesthetic domain of learning is not a recognized domain of learning, but rather a learning style that refers to the preference of learning by doing or experiencing. Kinesthetic learners tend to learn best by engaging in physical activities, such as hands-on tasks, simulations, and experiments.
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