A nurse is caring for a client who is ordered Potassium 40 mEq IV. On hand is Potassium Chloride 20 mEq/mL. What is the nurse’s next action?

Mix potassium in 1 liter of normal saline.

Call the physician for order clarification.

Prepare 20 mEq of Potassium to give IV push.

Give the medication as ordered.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. While potassium is typically diluted in IV fluids, the concentration and infusion rate must be clarified before administration. A standard dilution is 10 mEq in 100 mL or 40 mEq in 1L, but this must be verified.
B. Calling the physician for clarification is the safest step. IV potassium should never be given undiluted or as an IV push due to the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
C. IV push potassium is never appropriate as it can cause cardiac arrest.
D. Administering the undiluted 20 mEq/mL solution is dangerous and requires proper dilution before administration.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. First-degree heart block has a regular R-R interval, meaning the rhythm is typically regular.
B. The presence of P waves is a distinguishing feature of first-degree heart block. Absent P waves are more characteristic of atrial fibrillation or junctional rhythms.
C. First-degree heart block is characterized by a prolonged PR interval greater than 0.20 seconds, but all impulses are still conducted to the ventricles.
D. A progressively lengthening PR interval followed by a dropped QRS complex is indicative of second-degree Mobitz Type I (Wenckebach) heart block, not first-degree heart block.

Correct Answer is []

Explanation

Worsening of congestive heart failure is suggested by symptoms including labored breathing, coarse crackles, jugular vein distention (JVD), cool/clammy skin, and low oxygen saturation. These findings indicate pulmonary congestion due to fluid overload.
Applying O₂ at 6L/min helps improve oxygenation and alleviate respiratory distress. Lower-flow oxygen (such as 2L/min) may not be sufficient in acute heart failure exacerbation.
Monitoring respiratory rate is essential to track breathing effort and response to treatment.
Monitoring oxygen saturation helps assess oxygenation status and effectiveness of interventions.
Smoking cessation is important for long-term lung and cardiovascular health but does not address the acute issue.
WBC count and temperature are more relevant to infections like pneumonia rather than acute heart failure.

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A nurse is caring for a client who is ordered Potassium 40 mEq IV. On hand is Potassium Chloride 20 mEq/mL. What is the nurse’s next action?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct Answer is []

Explanation

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