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 B

Explanation

Choice A reason: While unpleasant odor can indicate poor oral hygiene or other health issues, it is not as urgent as some other findings.

Choice B reason: White patches on the mucosa can indicate an infection such as oral thrush, which requires medical treatment, making it the most important finding to act upon.

Choice C reason: A receding gumline is a concern for dental health but does not typically require immediate action.

Choice D reason: Discoloration of teeth can indicate various issues, including dietary habits or decay, but is not as immediately concerning as white patches on the mucosa. Bolded text indicates the correct answers and important information.

A. Obtain the specimen from the client's current bowel movement. B. Contact the healthcare provider before obtaining the specimen. C. Wait to obtain the specimen until observable blood is present. D. Withhold specimen collection until tarry black stool is observed.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: The presence of soft, formed, and light brown feces is normal and does not preclude testing for occult blood. The nurse should proceed with obtaining the specimen as ordered.
Choice B reason: There is no need to contact the healthcare provider before obtaining the specimen if the stool appears normal and the test for occult blood has been ordered.
Choice C reason: Waiting for observable blood is not necessary for an occult blood test, which is designed to detect blood that is not visible to the naked eye.
Choice D reason: Withholding specimen collection until tarry black stool is observed is not indicated. Tarry black stool can indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, but the test for occult blood is used to detect blood that may not be visible in the stool. Bolded text indicates the correct answers and important information.

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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

While assisting a client with oral care, the nurse assesses the client's mouth. It is most important for the nurse to take action in response to which finding?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

While preparing to obtain a stool specimen for occult blood, the nurse observes that the client's feces is soft, formed, and light brown. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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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)