A client’s bloodwork indicates that he has severe hypokalemia.
What is a priority nursing intervention?
Place the client on a cardiac monitor.
Administer a laxative as ordered.
Place the client on seizure precautions.
Restrict high potassium foods.
The Correct Answer is A
This is because hypokalemia (low potassium level in the blood) can cause abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia) that can be life-threatening and require urgent medical attention. A cardiac monitor can help detect and treat any arrhythmia that may occur.
Choice B is wrong because administering a laxative can worsen hypokalemia by causing more potassium loss through the digestive tract. Laxative use is one of the possible causes of hypokalemia.
Choice C is wrong because placing the client on seizure precautions is not a priority intervention for hypokalemia. Seizures are not a common symptom of hypokalemia, although muscle weakness and cramps may occur.
Choice D is wrong because restricting high potassium foods is not a priority intervention for hypokalemia. In fact, increasing potassium intake through foods or supplements may be helpful in less serious cases of hypokalemia. However, this should be done according to the doctor’s recommendation and with careful monitoring of blood potassium levels.
Normal blood potassium levels for an adult range from 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A very low potassium level (less than 2.5 mmol/L) can be life threatening.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Localized warmth at the site of injury is a sign of localized inflammation of the tissues, which is a response to tissue damage caused by an ankle injury. Localized inflammation involves changes in blood flow, vessel permeability, and leukocyte migration to the site of injury. Heat is one of the five classic signs of acute local inflammation, along with redness, swelling, pain, and loss of function.
Choice A is wrong because 3+ palpable pedal pulses below the affected injury site indicate normal blood flow to the foot and do not reflect inflammation.
Choice B is wrong because full range of motion at the site of injury is unlikely in the presence of inflammation, which usually causes pain and loss of function.
Choice C is wrong because sanguineous drainage at the site of injury is a sign of bleeding, not inflammation.
Inflammation may cause fluid leakage from blood vessels, but this fluid is usually clear or yellowish, not bloody.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Fluid volume excess is wrong because appendicitis does not cause fluid retention or overload. It may cause fluid loss due to vomiting, fever, or rupture of the appendix. Therefore, a more appropriate nursing diagnosis would be the risk for deficient fluid volume.
Choice B. Risk for infection is correct because appendicitis is an inflammatory condition that can lead to bacterial infection, especially if the appendix ruptures and causes peritonitis or abscess formation.
Choice C. Ineffective thermoregulation is correct because appendicitis can cause fever due to inflammation and infection.
Choice D. Pain is correct because appendicitis causes acute abdominal pain that usually starts in the periumbilical area and then localizes to the right lower quadrant. The pain may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and rebound tenderness.
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