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 B
Explanation
The HOPE Tool for spiritual assessment is a questionnaire that explores the sources of hope, meaning, comfort, strength, peace, love, and connection for patients in healthcare settings. It does not ask about the correctness of one’s belief, but rather about the relevance and importance of one’s spirituality to one’s overall health and well-being. Therefore, choice B is not part of the HOPE Tool.
Choice A is wrong because it is part of the HOPE Tool. It asks about the personal spirituality and practices of the patient.
Choice C is wrong because it is part of the HOPE Tool. It asks about the organized religion or spiritual community of the patient.
Choice D is wrong because it is part of the HOPE Tool. It asks about the sources of hope or sustenance for the patient.
Normal ranges are not applicable to this question as it is not a numerical or quantitative measure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
damage the blood vessels and affect blood flow, increasing the risk of gangrene. Choice B. Stasis is wrong because it refers to a condition where blood pools in the veins of the legs, causing swelling and skin changes. It does not cause gangrene by itself.
Choice C. Venous insufficiency is wrong because it refers to a condition where the veins in the legs have problems sending blood back to the heart, causing swelling and skin ulcers. It does not cause gangrene by itself.
Choice D. Varicose veins are wrong because they are enlarged veins that may cause pain or discomfort, but do not cause gangrene by themselves.
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