A nurse is caring for a client who arrives at the emergency department and reports vomiting and diarrhea for the past 3 days. The client's serum potassium level is 2.8 mEq/L. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?
Listen to the client's bowel sounds.
Initiate cardiac monitoring for the client.
Check the client's hand grasps.
Administer an IV potassium drip.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Listening to the client's bowel sounds should not be implemented. It is important for assessing the gastrointestinal status, but the priority in this situation is to address the potential cardiac complications of hypokalaemia.
Choice B reason:
Initiating cardiac monitoring for the client should be implemented. A serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L is significantly low (normal range is typically around 3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Low potassium levels, known as hypokalaemia, can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias and other complications. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize cardiac monitoring to assess for any potential changes or abnormalities in the client's heart rhythm due to the low potassium levels.
Choice C reason:
Checking the client's hand grasps should not be implemented. It is a test for muscle strength and can be indicative of hypokalaemia, but initiating cardiac monitoring is more critical at this point.
Choice D reason:
Administering an IV potassium drip may be necessary, but initiating cardiac monitoring takes precedence as the first action to ensure the client's heart rhythm is stable before addressing the potassium imbalance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Wound tissue firm to palpation is a false expectation. While firmness can be an indicator of healing in some wounds, it's not a reliable indicator on its own. The appearance and characteristics of the tissue, including granulation tissue, are more significant indicators of healing.
Choice B reason:
Dry brown eschar is a false expectation. Brown eschar is often necrotic tissue that needs to be removed for the wound to heal. Its presence typically suggests a lack of healing progress.
Choice C reason:
Dark red granulation tissue is the correct expectation because it is a sign of healing in a pressure ulcer. Granulation tissue is the new tissue that forms during the healing process, and the dark red color indicates that the tissue is well-vascularized and receiving adequate blood supply, which is essential for healing.
Choice D reason:
Light yellow exudate is a false expectation. Light yellow exudate is often indicative of infection or non-healing wounds. While some exudate is normal in the healing process, its color alone doesn't necessarily indicate healing.
Correct Answer is D
No explanation
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