When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L (2.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Reference Range:
Potassium (K+) 3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)

Observe color and amount of urine.

Determine apical pulse rate and rhythm.

Compare muscle strength bilaterally.

Assess strength of deep tendon reflexes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: Observing the color and amount of urine is important for assessing kidney function and hydration status but is not the most critical intervention for hypokalemia, which can have immediate life-threatening cardiac effects.

Choice B reason: Determining the apical pulse rate and rhythm is the most important intervention. Hypokalemia can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias, and the apical pulse is the most accurate non-invasive way to assess cardiac rhythm and rate.

Choice C reason: Comparing muscle strength bilaterally is important for assessing the impact of hypokalemia on muscle function, but it is not as immediately life-threatening as cardiac effects.

Choice D reason: Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes can help evaluate neuromuscular involvement in hypokalemia but is less critical than monitoring for cardiac arrhythmias.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Providing a back massage and gentle efleurage can help alleviate pain through relaxation
techniques and is a non-pharmacological method to manage pain.

Choice B reason: Guided imagery and slow rhythmic breathing are helpful relaxation techniques, but they may not be as immediately effective for incisional pain as direct physical interventions.

Choice C reason: The use of a hot water circulation device should be done with caution postoperatively, as it may not be appropriate depending on the surgical site and the client's condition.

Choice D reason: Distraction techniques like watching television or listening to music can be helpful, but they may not address the physical component of the client's incisional pain.

A. Leave the dressing off until consulting with the healthcare provider. B. Replace the gauze with a transparent dressing. C. Increase the frequency of the dressing changes. D. Apply a hydrocolloid gel dressing.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Leaving the dressing off is not advisable as it can expose the wound to potential infection and delay healing.

Choice B reason: A transparent dressing may not be the best choice for a stage 3 pressure injury with significant granulation tissue.

Choice C reason: Increasing the frequency of dressing changes without specific orders may not be necessary and could disrupt the healing process.

Choice D reason: A hydrocolloid gel dressing is appropriate for a stage 3 pressure injury as it maintains a moist environment, which is conducive to wound healing and granulation.

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When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L (2.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement? Reference Range: Potassium (K+) 3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who is 2 days postoperative for thoracic surgery is reporting incisional pain 2 hours after receiving pain medication. The client rates the pain as 5 on a pain scale of 0 to 10. After placing a call to the healthcare provider, which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is performing a routine dressing change for a client with a stage 3 pressure injury that is red with significant granulation. The wound has a gauze dressing covering the area. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

While changing the dressing of a client who is immobile, the nurse notices the boundary of the wound has increased. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should evaluate which of the client's laboratory values?

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When evaluating the effectiveness of a client's nursing care, the nurse first reviews the expected outcomes identified in the plan of care. Which action should the nurse take next?

While suctioning a client's nasopharynx, the nurse observes that the client's oxygen saturation remains at 94%, which is the same reading obtained prior to starting the procedure. Which action should the nurse take in response to this finding?

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The nurse is reviewing the signed operative consent with a client who is admitted for the removal of a lipoma on the left leg. The client reports the permit should include another lipoma on the right leg. Which action should the nurse implement?

When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L (2.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Reference Range:
Potassium (K+) 3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)