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 fitting for an N95 mask is important, it is not required for droplet precautions, which are appropriate for meningococcal infections.

Choice B reason: For meningococcal infections, droplet precautions, including a standard face mask, are recommended for the first 24 hours of antimicrobial therapy.

Choice C reason: It is the responsibility of the healthcare facility to ensure that all staff members who require it are fitted for particulate filter masks, but this does not apply to droplet precautions for meningococcal infections.

Choice D reason: Sending the UAP for an immediate fitting for a particulate filter mask is unnecessary for droplet precautions and could delay essential care for the client.

A. Drink 800 to 1,000 milliliters of fluid daily. B. Take oxycodone as scheduled to prevent painful bowel movements. C. Add fat-containing foods in the diet to lubricate stools for easier passage. D. Ambulate early and as frequently as possible.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Drinking 800 to 1,000 milliliters of fluid daily is below the recommended intake for most adults, which is generally around 2,000 milliliters per day to help prevent constipation.

Choice B reason: Oxycodone is an opioid that can actually lead to constipation, and its use should be carefully managed, not necessarily taken as scheduled for this purpose.

Choice C reason: Adding fat-containing foods is not a standard recommendation for preventing constipation; instead, a high-fiber diet is usually advised.

Choice D reason: Early and frequent ambulation is encouraged postoperatively to help stimulate bowel function and prevent constipation.

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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

An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) assigned to feed a client with meningococcal infection, for whom droplet precautions have been implemented, requests a change in assignment, reporting they have not yet been fitted for an N95 respirator mask. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is providing postoperative teaching to a client on ways to prevent constipation. Which information should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is D

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)