A nurse is caring for a client who has hyperkalemia and is to receive intravenous insulin. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as an adverse outcome?
Serum potassium 4.8 mmol/l
Serum glucose 58 mg/d
Serum sodium 138 mEq/L
Calcium level of 100 mg
The Correct Answer is B
A. Serum potassium 4.8 mmol/L: This is a normal potassium level (3.5–5.0 mmol/L) and indicates successful treatment.
B. Serum glucose 58 mg/dL: IV insulin drives potassium into cells, lowering serum potassium. However, insulin also lowers blood glucose, which can lead to hypoglycemia (glucose <70 mg/dL). Hypoglycemia is the primary adverse effect of IV insulin therapy.
C. Serum sodium 138 mEq/L: This is a normal sodium level (135–145 mEq/L) and not an adverse effect.
D. Calcium level of 100 mg: Calcium is not directly affected by IV insulin therapy.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Administer supplemental oxygen: Hypokalemia primarily affects cardiac and neuromuscular function, not oxygenation. Oxygen may be needed if dysrhythmias develop but is not the highest priority.
B. Seizure precautions: While severe hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, seizures are not the primary concern. Cardiac effects take priority.
C. Cardiac monitoring: A potassium level of 2.2 mEq/L is critically low, increasing the risk of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Continuous cardiac monitoring helps detect dangerous dysrhythmias like ventricular tachycardia.
D. Initiating a fluid restriction: Fluid restriction is more relevant for hyperkalemia or fluid overload, not hypokalemia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Decreases the chance of peptic ulcer formation: Calcium carbonate is not an antiulcer medication.
B. Prevents constipation: Calcium carbonate can cause constipation, not prevent it.
C. Increases the tubular excretion of potassium: Calcium carbonate does not directly affect potassium excretion.
D. To lower phosphorus levels: Calcium carbonate is a phosphate binder that reduces phosphorus absorption from food. In chronic renal failure, phosphorus builds up due to decreased kidney excretion, leading to secondary hyperparathyroidism and bone disease (renal osteodystrophy).
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