A nurse is caring for a client who is to receive potassium replacement. The provider’s prescription reads, “Potassium chloride 30 mEq in 0.9% sodium chloride 100 mL IV over 30 min.” For which of the following reasons should the nurse clarify this prescription with the provider?
The potassium infusion rate is too rapid.
Another formulation of potassium should be given IV.
Potassium chloride should be diluted in dextrose 5% in water.
The client should be treated by giving potassium by IV bolus.
The Correct Answer is A
According to various guidelines12345, the recommended rate of intravenous potassium replacement is 10-20 mEq/h with continuous ECG monitoring. The maximum rate is 40 mEq/h in emergency situations. The prescription given by the provider exceeds this limit and could cause cardiac arrhythmias or hyperkalemia.
Choice B is wrong because potassium chloride is a common and appropriate formulation of potassium for intravenous administration.
Choice C is wrong because potassium chloride should not be diluted in dextrose 5% in water, as this could cause hyperglycemia or osmotic diuresis.
Choice D is wrong because potassium should never be given by IV bolus, as this could cause cardiac arrest or tissue necrosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The client should stay upright for at least 15 minutes after taking ferrous gluconate to prevent oesophagal irritation. Choice B is wrong because taking an antacid with ferrous gluconate can decrease its absorption and effectiveness.
Choice C is wrong because taking ferrous gluconate with milk can also reduce its absorption and cause gastrointestinal distress.
Choice D is wrong because black stools are a common and harmless side effect of ferrous gluconate and do not indicate a need to notify the provider. Ferrous gluconate is an iron supplement used to treat or prevent iron deficiency anaemia, a condition where the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues.
Iron is an essential component of haemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
According to the CDC, people with severe, life-threatening allergies to any ingredient in a flu vaccine (other than egg proteins) should not get that vaccine. However, people with egg allergy can get a flu vaccine. The CDC also states that people who have had a severe allergic reaction to a dose of influenza vaccine should not get that flu vaccine again and might not be able to receive other influenza vaccines. Therefore, a nurse should report an egg allergy to the provider as a possible contraindication to receiving the vaccine.
Choice A is wrong because shellfish is not an ingredient in a flu vaccine and is not a contraindication to receiving the vaccine.
Choice C is wrong because milk is not an ingredient in a flu vaccine and is not a contraindication to receiving the vaccine.
Choice D is wrong because peanuts are not an ingredient in a flu vaccine and are not a contraindication to receiving the vaccine.
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