A nurse is caring for a client with severe hypokalemia. The provider places an order for IV potassium chloride (KCI) 60 mEq x1 now. Which action should the nurse take when caring for this client?

Discontinue cardiac monitoring during the infusion.

Administer KCI as a rapid IV bolus.

Only give the KCI via a central venous line.

Infuse the KCI at a rate of 10 mEq/hour.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) Discontinue cardiac monitoring during the infusion:

Discontinuing cardiac monitoring during the infusion of potassium chloride is unsafe. Potassium infusions can significantly impact cardiac function, so continuous cardiac monitoring is necessary to detect any arrhythmias or other complications.

B) Administer KCI as a rapid IV bolus:

Administering potassium chloride as a rapid IV bolus is contraindicated due to the risk of severe adverse effects, including cardiac arrest. Potassium should be infused slowly to avoid complications.

C) Only give the KCI via a central venous line:

Potassium chloride is ideally administered through a central venous line because it is irritating to veins and can cause damage if given through a peripheral line. A central line reduces the risk of irritation and allows for safer infusion of potassium.

D) Infuse the KCI at a rate of 10 mEq/hour:

Infusing potassium chloride at a rate of 10 mEq/hour is generally too slow for an emergency situation requiring immediate correction of severe hypokalemia. For more urgent cases, higher rates may be required, but only under strict medical supervision to avoid complications.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) D5W: Dextrose 5% in water (D5W) is not used with blood transfusions because it can cause hemolysis of the red blood cells due to its hypotonic nature. It can also potentially cause clumping and clotting.

B) 0.3% NS: This is a hypotonic saline solution, which can lead to hemolysis of red blood cells when used as a diluent for blood products. It is not appropriate for use in blood transfusions.

C) Lactated Ringers: Although lactated Ringer's solution is often used for fluid resuscitation, it contains calcium, which can cause clotting in the blood product. Therefore, it is not suitable for use with blood transfusions.

D) 0.9% NS: Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) is isotonic and the only solution recommended for use with blood transfusions. It does not cause hemolysis of red blood cells, does not alter the composition of the blood product, and helps to maintain the patency of the IV line. It is the standard diluent used in blood transfusions to ensure the safe administration of blood products.

A. Extreme thirst B. Paresthesias C. Lethargy D. Blood clots

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Extreme thirst: While extreme thirst can be associated with electrolyte imbalances, particularly in conditions of dehydration or hypernatremia (elevated sodium levels), a sodium level of 116 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia (low sodium levels). Extreme thirst is less typical for hyponatremia.

B) Paresthesias: Paresthesias, or abnormal sensations like tingling or numbness, are more commonly associated with conditions of low calcium or potassium levels rather than sodium. In hyponatremia, neurological symptoms can occur, but they typically include lethargy or confusion rather than specific paresthesias.

C) Lethargy: Lethargy is a common symptom of severe hyponatremia. Low sodium levels can lead to cerebral edema and neurological disturbances, resulting in symptoms such as lethargy, confusion, and even seizures. This is a direct consequence of the altered osmotic balance affecting brain function.

D) Blood clots: Hyponatremia is not typically associated with an increased risk of blood clots. Blood clots are more related to conditions affecting coagulation factors, which are not directly influenced by sodium levels.

View Question and Answer

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

﻿A nurse is caring for a client with severe hypokalemia. The provider places an order for IV potassium chloride (KCI) 60 mEq x1 now. Which action should the nurse take when caring for this client?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to give a client an infusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCS). The nurse is priming her administration IV tubing, the nurse primes one side of the Y tubing with the blood and the other should be which solution?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

﻿A nurse is assessing a client with a sodium level of 116 mEq/L (135-145 mEq/L). Which finding should the nurse expect for this client to have?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following a subtotal thyroidectomy. This morning's labs show a calcium level of 3 mg/dL (9- 10.5 mg/dL). Which assessment would the nurse anticipate to be positive?

A nurse is caring for a client with severe anemia. The provider placed an order for one unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) x 1 now. The nurse should anticipate the blood will be completely infused after how much time?

A nurse is providing dietary teaching for a client who takes furosemide (Lasix), a loop diuretic. The nurse should recommend which of the food is a great source of potassium?

﻿A nurse is caring for a client with a current blood potassium level of 5.4 mEq/L (3.5-5 mEq/L). Which finding would this client have?

﻿A nurse is caring for a client with severe hypokalemia. The provider places an order for IV potassium chloride (KCI) 60 mEq x1 now. Which action should the nurse take when caring for this client?

﻿A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving an intermittent enteral feed through a nasogastric tube. Which finding is the nurse's PRIORITY to address?

﻿A nurse is caring for a client who is a long-term alcoholic. The client presents to the emergency department with vomiting and diarrhea for several days. Which findings would the nurse expect to find in this client?

﻿A nurse is teaching a client who needs to be on a soft diet. When teaching the client about what he can eat, the nurse should include what food would be indicated in this type of diet?

A nurse is caring for a client with severe hypokalemia. The provider places an order for IV potassium chloride (KCI) 60 mEq x1 now. Which action should the nurse take when caring for this client?