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 C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Giving water may be necessary, but it is not the first intervention if there is a concern about urinary output.

Choice B reason: Notifying the healthcare provider is important but should occur after initial assessments and interventions.

Choice C reason: Checking for a kink in the drainage tubing is a quick and simple intervention that may resolve the issue of low output.

Choice D reason: Reviewing the intake and output record is important for understanding the patient's fluid status but is not the first action to take in this situation.

A. Serum potassium: 3.5 mEq/L (3.5 mmol/L), serum sodium: 142 mEq/L (142 mmol/L) B. Serum potassium: 4.5 mEq/L (4.5 mmol/L), serum sodium: 140 mEq/L (140 mmol/L) C. Serum potassium: 5.0 mEq/L (5.0 mmol/L), serum sodium: 138 mEq/L (138 mmol/L) D. Serum potassium: 3.0 mEq/L (3.0 mmol/L), serum sodium: 149 mEq/L (149 mmol/L)

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: The results are within the normal reference range for both potassium and sodium, which is expected unless the client's condition has led to significant electrolyte imbalances.

Choice B reason: A serum potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L is at the higher end of the normal range, which might not be expected in a client with vomiting and diarrhea, conditions that often lead to lower potassium levels.

Choice C reason: A serum potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L is at the upper limit of the normal range and could indicate hyperkalemia, especially in the context of severe dehydration.

Choice D reason: A serum sodium level of 149 mEq/L is slightly above the normal range and could indicate hypernatremia, which may occur in dehydration but would require further assessment and intervention.

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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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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)