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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

This is because people with COPD are more likely to catch respiratory infections such as colds, flu and pneumonia, which can worsen their symptoms and cause further lung damage. An influenza vaccine can help prevent flu and reduce the risk of complications.

Choice B. A broad-spectrum antibiotic is wrong because antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral ones. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for COPD exacerbations caused by bacterial infections, but not for prevention.

Choice C. A bronchodilator is wrong because bronchodilators are medications that relax the muscles around the airways and make breathing easier. They are used to treat the symptoms of COPD, but they do not prevent respiratory infections.

Choice D. A corticosteroid is wrong because corticosteroids are anti inflammatory drugs that reduce swelling and mucus production in the airways. They are also used to treat the symptoms of COPD, but they do not prevent respiratory infections. In fact, long-term use of corticosteroids may increase the risk of infections by suppressing the immune system.

A. Refraining from changing alarm settings. B. Using 2 patient identifiers for medication administration. C. Giving report to a provider in SBAR format. D. Arriving 15 minutes prior to the start of the shift.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Giving a report to a provider in SBAR format is not related to one of the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs). The NPSGs are a set of standards developed by The Joint Commission to improve patient safety andquality of care. They address specific areas of concern such as infection prevention, medication safety, patient identification, communication, and alarm management.

Choice A is wrong because refraining from changing alarm settings is related to NPSG 06.01.01, which aims to improve the safety of clinical alarm systems. Choice B is wrong because using 2 patient identifiers for medication administration is related to NPSG 01.01.01, which aims to improve the accuracy of patient identification.

Choice D is wrong because arriving 15 minutes prior to the start of the shift is related to NPSG 02.03.01, which aims to improve the effectiveness of communication among caregivers.

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A client’s bloodwork indicates that he has severe hypokalemia. What is a priority nursing intervention?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is assigned to care for a client admitted to the hospital with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which medication does the nurse anticipate to decrease this client’s risk for developing a respiratory infection?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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A client’s bloodwork indicates that he has severe hypokalemia.
What is a priority nursing intervention?