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.
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) The client's daily calorie intake: While daily calorie intake is important for understanding a client's nutritional needs and managing their diet, it is not required for calculating BMI. BMI calculation focuses on weight and height rather than caloric intake.
B) The client's waist circumference: Waist circumference is useful for assessing abdominal fat distribution and risk of obesity-related conditions, but it is not needed for calculating BMI. BMI calculation requires height and weight, not waist measurements.
C) The client's height: To calculate BMI, the client's height is essential. BMI is determined by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters (kg/m²). Accurate height measurement is crucial for this calculation.
D) The client's skinfold thickness: Skinfold thickness measurements are used to estimate body fat percentage but are not required for calculating BMI. BMI relies solely on weight and height, not body fat estimates.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Chadwick's sign: Chadwick's sign is related to pregnancy and refers to the bluish discoloration of the cervix and vaginal walls due to increased blood flow. It is not associated with calcium levels or postoperative thyroidectomy.
B) Murphy's sign: Murphy's sign is used to diagnose gallbladder inflammation or cholecystitis. It involves palpation of the right upper quadrant of the abdomen and is not related to calcium levels or thyroid surgery.
C) Babinski's sign: Babinski's sign is a neurological reflex test used to assess the presence of upper motor neuron lesions. It is not associated with calcium levels or postoperative thyroidectomy.
D) Chvostek's sign: Chvostek's sign is a clinical indicator of hypocalcemia, where tapping on the facial nerve causes twitching of the facial muscles. With the client's calcium level of 3 mg/dL, which is significantly low, Chvostek's sign would likely be positive, indicating hypocalcemia.
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