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: Tachycardia is a physiological response to fear and anxiety. Tachycardia is a condition where the heart rate is faster than normal, usually above 100 beats per minute. Fear and anxiety can trigger the release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. This causes the heart to beat faster and stronger, increasing the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles and organs. This prepares the body for the fight-or-flight response, which is a survival mechanism that helps the person to cope with a perceived threat or danger.
Choice B reason: Bronchial constriction is not a physiological response to fear and anxiety. Bronchial constriction is a condition where the airways in the lungs become narrow and inflamed, reducing the airflow and causing difficulty breathing. Bronchial constriction can be caused by various factors, such as asthma, allergies, infections, or irritants. Fear and anxiety can worsen the symptoms of bronchial constriction, but they are not the primary cause of it.
Choice C reason: Bradypnea is not a physiological response to fear and anxiety. Bradypnea is a condition where the breathing rate is slower than normal, usually below 12 breaths per minute. Bradypnea can be caused by various factors, such as brain injury, drug overdose, sleep apnea, or metabolic disorders. Fear and anxiety can increase the breathing rate, not decrease it, as the body needs more oxygen to cope with the stress.
Choice D reason: Pupillary constriction is not a physiological response to fear and anxiety. Pupillary constriction is a condition where the pupils in the eyes become smaller and less responsive to light. Pupillary constriction can be caused by various factors, such as eye injury, medication, aging, or neurological disorders. Fear and anxiety can cause pupillary dilation, not constriction, as the pupils widen to allow more light and improve the vision. This helps the person to see better and react faster to the situation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because safety is the second level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and it includes the needs for security, stability, protection, and freedom from fear and anxiety. The couple who just lost their house in a fire are likely experiencing a threat to their safety needs, as they have lost their shelter, possessions, and sense of security. The nurse should identify and address their safety needs as a priority, and help them find alternative housing, financial assistance, and emotional support.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer because self-actualization is the highest level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and it includes the needs for personal growth, fulfillment, and realization of one's potential. The couple who just lost their house in a fire are unlikely to be concerned with their self-actualization needs at this time, as they have more pressing and basic needs to meet. The nurse should focus on their lower-level needs first, before helping them achieve their higher-level needs.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer because esteem is the fourth level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and it includes the needs for self-respect, confidence, recognition, and appreciation. The couple who just lost their house in a fire may experience a loss of esteem, as they may feel ashamed, helpless, or worthless. However, their esteem needs are not the most urgent or important at this time, as they have more fundamental needs to satisfy. The nurse should support their esteem needs by showing empathy, respect, and encouragement, but not neglect their lower-level needs.
Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because love and belonging is the third level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and it includes the needs for affection, intimacy, friendship, and social acceptance. The couple who just lost their house in a fire may benefit from their love and belonging needs, as they may seek comfort, support, and connection from others. However, their love and belonging needs are not the primary or essential at this time, as they have more basic and vital needs to fulfill. The nurse should facilitate their love and belonging needs by providing a caring and compassionate environment, but not overlook their lower-level needs.
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