A client is receiving intravenous (IV) potassium replacement therapy.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent complications?
Monitoring urine output every 8 hours.
Administering potassium via a bolus injection.
Administering potassium at a rate no faster than 10-20 mEq/hour.
Encouraging the client to eat potassium-rich foods.
The Correct Answer is C
This is because intravenous potassium supplementation is indicated for patients with profound hypokalemia (plasma K+ <2.5 mmol/L) or cardiac arrhythmia. The rate of infusion should not exceed 10 mmol/hour to prevent complications such as hyperkalemia, cardiac arrhythmias, and phlebitis.
Choice A is wrong because monitoring urine output every 8 hours is not sufficient to prevent complications from intravenous potassium replacement therapy.
Urine output should be monitored more frequently (at least every 4 hours) to assess renal function and fluid balance.
Choice B is wrong because administering potassium via a bolus injection is dangerous and can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Potassium should never be given by intravenous push or intramuscular injection.
Choice D is wrong because encouraging the client to eat potassium-rich foods is not appropriate for patients receiving intravenous potassium replacement therapy.
Oral potassium supplementation is preferred for patients with mild to moderate hypokalemia (plasma K+ 2.5-3.5 mmol/L) who can eat and absorb oral potassium.
Potassium-rich foods include potatoes, legumes, juices, seafood, leafy greens, dairy, tomatoes and bananas.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is A. 42 mL/h.
Choice A: 42 mL/h
Reason: To calculate the IV rate, we use the formula: IV rate (mL/h) = Total volume (mL) ÷ Total time (hours). For this problem, the total volume is 1000 mL and the total time is 24 hours. Therefore, the calculation is 1000 mL ÷ 24 hours = 41.6667 mL/h. When rounded to the nearest whole number, the IV rate is 42 mL/h. This makes 42 mL/h the correct answer.
Choice B: 44 mL/h
Reason: This choice is incorrect because it does not match the calculated IV rate. The calculation of 1000 mL ÷ 24 hours results in 41.6667 mL/h, which rounds to 42 mL/h, not 44 mL/h. Therefore, 44 mL/h is not a valid option based on the given data.
Choice C: 46 mL/h
Reason: This choice is also incorrect. The calculated IV rate of 41.6667 mL/h, when rounded to the nearest whole number, is 42 mL/h. There is no mathematical basis for rounding up to 46 mL/h from 41.6667 mL/h, making this choice invalid.
Choice D: 48 mL/h
Reason: This choice is incorrect as well. The correct calculation yields 41.6667 mL/h, which rounds to 42 mL/h. There is no justification for rounding up to 48 mL/h. This choice does not align with the calculated and rounded IV rate.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is because hemodialysis removes excess fluid and waste products from the blood, but it also removes some electrolytes, such as potassium.
Potassium is important for nerve and muscle function, especially the heart.
If potassium levels are too high or too low, it can cause irregular heartbeat or cardiac arrest.
Choice B is wrong because hypokalemia means low potassium levels, which is unlikely in renal failure unless there is excessive potassium loss from diarrhea, vomiting or diuretics.
Choice C is wrong because hyponatremia means low sodium levels, which can occur in renal failure due to fluid retention, but it is not directly related to hemodialysis.
Choice D is wrong because hypernatremia means high sodium levels, which can occur in renal failure due to reduced urine output, but it is also not directly related to hemodialysis.
Normal ranges for electrolytes are: Potassium: 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L
Sodium: 135 to 145 mmol/L
Calcium: 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL
Chloride: 96 to 106 mmol/L
Magnesium: 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL
Phosphate: 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL
Bicarbonate: 22 to 29 mmol/L
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