A nurse is caring for four clients who have drainage tubes. Which of the following clients should the nurse recognize as being at risk for hypokalemia?
The client who has a chest tube to water seal
The client who has a tracheostomy tube attached to humidified oxygen
The client who has an indwelling urinary catheter to gravity drainage
The client who has a nasogastric (NG) tube to suction
The Correct Answer is D
A. A chest tube to water seal is used to remove air or fluid from the pleural space. This does not directly impact the client's potassium levels.
B. A tracheostomy tube attached to humidified oxygen delivers oxygen directly to the client's airway and does not have a direct effect on potassium levels.
C. An indwelling urinary catheter to gravity drainage does not typically cause significant potassium loss. Urinary catheters primarily collect urine, which contains waste products, rather than electrolytes like potassium.
D. A client with an NG tube to suction may experience loss of gastric contents, which can lead to the loss of electrolytes, including potassium. This places the client at risk for hypokalemia.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Using an indwelling urinary catheter should be avoided unless absolutely necessary due to the associated risks of infection and other complications. It's not the first-line intervention for managing urinary incontinence.
B. Frequent toileting, also known as scheduled toileting or prompted voiding, is an effective intervention for managing urinary incontinence in older adults with dementia. It helps prevent accidents by ensuring the client has regular opportunities to use the
bathroom.
C. Reminding the client to tell the nurse when they need to urinate can be helpful, but it may not be sufficient on its own, especially for individuals with dementia who may have difficulty recognizing or communicating their needs.
D. Using adult diapers should be considered a last resort, as it does not address the underlying issue and may not promote the client's independence or dignity.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Independently disposing of the remaining medication may not be in compliance with facility policies and could potentially interfere with an investigation into how the medication was left unattended.
B. Returning the medication to the unit's stock for future use is not appropriate, as the vial is already open and its integrity may be compromised.
C. Administering the medication to other clients is absolutely not an option. This could lead to serious harm or even fatal consequences for the other clients involved.
D. When a nurse discovers an open vial of medication left unattended, it is a serious safety concern. The nurse should report the discrepancy immediately to the appropriate personnel or supervisor. This ensures that the situation is addressed promptly and that necessary actions are taken to prevent potential harm to clients.
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