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 B
Explanation
Oliguria is the term for a urine output less than 400 mL per day. This can indicate dehydration, kidney failure, urinary obstruction, or other conditions that affect urine production.
Choice A is wrong because anuria is the term for a urine output less than 100 mL per day.
This is a more severe form of oliguria and can indicate complete kidney failure or urinary obstruction.
Choice C is wrong because polyuria is the term for a urine output more than 3000 mL per day.
This can indicate diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, diuretic use, or excessive fluid intake.
Choice D is wrong because dysuria is the term for painful or difficult urination.
This can indicate urinary tract infection, kidney stones, bladder inflammation, or other conditions that affect the urinary tract.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Sodium is the major extracellular electrolyte in the body.
It is responsible for maintaining the extracellular fluid volume, and also for regulation of the membrane potential of cells.
Sodium is exchanged along with potassium across cell membranes as part of active transport.
Choice B is wrong because potassium is mainly an intracellular ion.
It is important for nerve and muscle function, but it is not the predominant electrolyte in the extracellular fluid.
Choice C is wrong because calcium is not the major electrolyte in the extracellular fluid.
Calcium is mostly found in bones and teeth, where it forms a mineral reserve with phosphate.
Calcium also plays a role in muscle contraction, blood clotting, and enzyme activity.
Choice D is wrong because magnesium is not the major electrolyte in the extracellular fluid.
Magnesium is mostly found in bones, where it helps to stabilize the structure of ATP2.
Magnesium also participates in enzyme reactions, nerve and muscle function, and protein synthesis.
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