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. While assessing bowel sounds is important, it is not the highest priority in this situation. The client's low serum potassium level indicates the potential for serious cardiac arrhythmias, so actions related to monitoring and addressing this electrolyte imbalance are more critical.
Choice B reason:
Initiate cardiac monitoring for the client is the correct answer. A serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L is significantly low and can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Initiating cardiac monitoring is crucial to assess the client's heart rhythm and ensure that any potential abnormalities are identified promptly.
Choice C reason:
Check the client's hand grasps should not be implemented. Assessing the client's hand grasps can provide information about muscle strength, but it is not the immediate priority when the client has a critically low potassium level.
Choice D reason:
Administer an IV potassium drip should not be implemented. Administering IV potassium is important for correcting the potassium imbalance, but the priority is to assess and monitor the client's cardiac status first. Rapid administration of potassium can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, so it's important to ensure the heart's stability through cardiac monitoring before administering potassium.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Administer a sedative medication is incorrect. Administering a sedative can help the client feel more comfortable during the procedure, but ensuring allergy safety comes first.
Choice B Reason:
Determine whether the client has an allergy to local anaesthetics is correct. The priority intervention for the nurse is to determine whether the client has an allergy to local anaesthetics. Local anaesthetics are typically used to numb the area before a thoracentesis, and ensuring the safety of the client is essential. An allergy to local anaesthetics can result in serious adverse reactions, so it's crucial to identify any allergies before proceeding with the procedure.
Choice C Reason:
Describe the sensations the client will feel during the procedure is incorrect. Providing information about the sensations is important for client education and comfort, but verifying allergies is more critical.
Choice D Reason:
Reinforce the importance of lying still during the procedure - Encouraging the client to lie still is important for the procedure's success and client safety, but confirming allergies takes priority.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
"will keep my left arm flexed at the elbow as much as possible": This statement is incorrect because after a mastectomy, it's important to promote full range of motion in the affected arm to prevent complications like contractures and lymphedema.
Choice B reason:
“will have to wait 2 months before additional saline can be added to my breast expander" Typically, the process of adding saline to a breast expander begins much sooner, often within a few weeks after surgery, depending on the individual’s healing progress and the surgeon’s protocol.
Choice C reason:
"should expect less than 25 ml of secretions per day in the drainage devices":After a mastectomy, drainage devices are often placed to prevent fluid accumulation. The client should be aware that once the drainage decreases to less than 25 ml per day, it may be an indication that the drain can be removed. This shows an understanding of what to monitor postoperatively.
Choice D reason:
"will perform strength-building arm exercises using a 15-pound weight": This statement is not appropriate, especially shortly after surgery. Gradual and gentle strength-building exercises are recommended, and using a 15-pound weight could be too strenuous and potentially harmful.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today