A client with a history of heart failure arrives at the emergency department describing an onset of fatigue and weakness.
The client has been taking spironolactone 50 mg tablets PO every day.
The nurse receives a report from the lab that the client has a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L (6.2 mmol/L). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
Compare muscle strength bilaterally.
Observe color and amount of urine.
Determine apical pulse rate and rhythm.
Assess strength of deep tendon reflexes.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Comparing muscle strength bilaterally is important in assessing overall physical health and detecting any potential neuromuscular disorders. However, in the context of a client with a history of heart failure and elevated potassium levels, this would not be the most critical intervention. High potassium levels can lead to hyperkalemia, which can cause serious heart rhythm disturbances.
Choice B rationale
Observing the color and amount of urine can provide valuable information about the client’s hydration status and kidney function. In the case of heart failure, monitoring urine output can help assess the effectiveness of diuretic therapy and the progression of the disease. However, it is not the most immediate concern given the client’s high potassium levels.
Choice C rationale
Determining the apical pulse rate and rhythm is the most important intervention in this scenario. A serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is higher than the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and can cause life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing the client’s heart rhythm to detect any abnormalities caused by this electrolyte imbalance.
Choice D rationale
Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes can help identify changes in neuromuscular function and is often used in neurological assessments. However, it is not the most critical intervention in the context of elevated potassium levels and heart failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Offering the client oral fluids is important for hydration, but it is not directly related to the care of an indwelling urinary catheter. The UAP can offer fluids to the client, but this action is not specifically tied to the turning of the client or the care of the urinary catheter.
Choice B rationale
Feeding the client a snack is a task that the UAP may perform, but it is not directly related to the care of an indwelling urinary catheter. The UAP can provide a snack to the client, but this action is not specifically tied to the turning of the client or the care of the urinary catheter.
Choice C rationale
Assessing breath sounds is within the scope of practice for a nurse, not a UAP. While it’s important to monitor a client’s respiratory status, this action is not directly related to the care of an indwelling urinary catheter.
Choice D rationale
Emptying the urinary drainage bag is an appropriate action for the UAP to take each time the client is turned. This action helps to prevent infection, maintain accurate intake and output records, and ensure the comfort and dignity of the client.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it’s important to know the patient’s current medications as they can influence the patient’s condition and treatment plan, this information is not the most critical to convey first in this situation.
Choice B rationale
The increasing confusion of the patient is a significant symptom, especially after a fall. It could indicate a possible head injury. However, the cause of the confusion (the fall) should be communicated first.
Choice C rationale
Knowing who holds the patient’s healthcare power of attorney is important, especially if the patient’s condition worsens and decisions need to be made on their behalf. However, this information is not the most critical to convey first.
Choice D rationale
The fall from a ladder as the reason for admission is the most important information to provide first. This gives the healthcare provider immediate context about the potential severity and type of injuries, guiding further assessment and treatment.
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