A client with acute renal injury (AKI) weighs 110.3 pounds (50 kg) and has a potassium level of 6.7 mEq/L (6.7 mmol/L) is admitted to the hospital. Which prescribed medication should the nurse administer first?

Reference Range:
Potassium [3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)]

Choice A reason: Returning for periodic liver function studies is an important instruction for a client with gouty arthritis who is taking colchicine and indomethacin. These medications can cause liver toxicity, which can manifest as jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and dark urine. The nurse should advise the client to monitor for these signs and symptoms, and to have regular blood tests to check the liver enzymes and function.

Choice B reason: Massaging joints to relax muscles and decrease pain is not a recommended instruction for a client with gouty arthritis who has acute inflammation of the right ankle and great toe. Massage can increase the blood flow and pressure to the affected joints, which can worsen the pain and swelling. The nurse should advise the client to avoid touching or moving the inflamed joints, and to apply ice packs or cold compresses to reduce the inflammation.

Choice C reason: Limiting use of mobility equipment to avoid muscle atrophy is not a necessary instruction for a client with gouty arthritis who has acute inflammation of the right ankle and great toe. Mobility equipment such as crutches, walkers, or canes can help the client to ambulate safely and comfortably, and to prevent further injury or damage to the affected joints. The nurse should encourage the client to use mobility equipment as needed, and to perform gentle range of motion exercises when the inflammation subsides.

Choice D reason: Substituting natural fruit juices for carbonated drinks is not a helpful instruction for a client with gouty arthritis who is taking colchicine and indomethacin. Fruit juices can contain high amounts of fructose, which can increase the uric acid levels in the blood and trigger gout attacks. Carbonated drinks are not a major risk factor for gout, unless they contain high-fructose corn syrup or alcohol. The nurse should advise the client to drink plenty of water, and to avoid foods and beverages that are high in purines, such as organ meats, seafood, beer, and wine.

The client has inhaled smoke, which can cause respiratory problemssuch as airway obstruction, bronchospasm, and pulmonary edema. The client also has initial fluid shifts, which can lead to electrolyte imbalancesuch as hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and metabolic acidosis.

Choice A: inhaled smoke - respiratory problems

This is a correct choice. Inhaled smoke can damage the respiratory system by causing inflammation, edema, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Choice B: initial fluid shifts - electrolyte imbalance

This is a correct choice. Initial fluid shifts occur when fluid moves from the intravascular space to the interstitial space due to increased capillary permeability. This can result in electrolyte imbalance such as low sodium, high potassium, and low bicarbonate levels.

Choice C: increased cardiac output - high blood sodium levels

This is an incorrect choice. Increased cardiac output is not a condition that occurs in burn patients. High blood sodium levels are not a common finding in burn patients either. High blood sodium levels can occur due to dehydration or excessive sodium intake.

Choice D: decreased catecholamines - hypometabolism

This is an incorrect choice. Decreased catecholamines are not a finding in burn patients. Catecholamines are hormones that increase heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolism in response to stress. Burn patients have increased catecholamines due to pain and tissue injury. Hypometabolism is also not a condition that occurs in burn patients. Hypometabolism is a state of low metabolic rate that can occur due to starvation, hypothyroidism, or hypothermia. Burn patients have increased metabolism due to increased energy demands for wound healing and thermoregulation.