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?
Administer an IV potassium drip.
Listen to the client's bowel sounds.
Check the client's hand grasps.
Initiate cardiac monitoring for the client.
The Correct Answer is D
The client has hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium in the blood. Hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should initiate cardiac monitoring first to assess the client's heart rhythm and rate, and intervene if any abnormalities are detected. Administering an IV potassium drip is an appropriate intervention for hypokalemia, but it is not the first priority. Listening to the client's bowel sounds and checking the client's hand grasps are also relevant assessments for hypokalemia, as it can cause decreased bowel motility and muscle weakness, but they are not as urgent as cardiac monitoring.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Sinus bradycardia is a type of cardiac arrhythmia characterized by a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute in adults, or below the normal range for age in children. It can be diagnosed by an electrocardiogram (ECG) that shows regular P waves with constant morphology preceding every QRS complex, and positive in lead II.
Correct Answer is B,A,C,D
Explanation
The nurse should first check for contraindications to tPA, such as hemorrhagic stroke, recent surgery, bleeding disorder, or uncontrolled hypertension. Then, the nurse should weigh the client to calculate the correct dose of tPA based on body weight. Next, thenurse should administer the tPA within three hours of symptom onset to improve the chances of recovery. Finally, the nurse should transfer the client to the CCU for close monitoring of vital signs, neurological status, and possible complications.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.