A nurse is collecting data from a client who is receiving IV fluid replacement to treat diarrhea but now has oliguria. Laboratory results include a potassium level of 5.6 mEq/L. The nurse should report which of the following findings to the provider immediately?
Muscle weakness
Paresthesias
Abdominal cramps
Palpitations
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Muscle weakness is incorrect. Muscle weakness can be a symptom of hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels). However, it is not the most urgent symptom, and the provider should be informed to address the underlying cause.
Choice B Reason:
Paresthesias is incorrect. Paresthesias (tingling or numbness) can also occur with hyperkalemia. While important to assess, it may not be the most urgent symptom requiring immediate attention.
Choice C Reason:
Abdominal cramps is incorrect. Abdominal cramps can be associated with hyperkalemia, but they are not the most critical symptom. It's essential to address the underlying cause, but it may not require immediate intervention compared to other symptoms.
Choice D Reason:
Palpitations is correct. Palpitations are a concerning symptom, especially in the context of hyperkalemia. Elevated potassium levels can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, and palpitations may be indicative of serious cardiac complications. This is a critical finding that requires immediate attention from the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Administering sedative medication should not be the first action. It is important to assess the client's level of comfort and understand the reason for pulling on the NG tube before considering sedation. Sedation may mask underlying issues, and the goal is to address the cause of the behavior.
Choice B Reason:
Assessing the client's level of comfort is the priority. Understanding the reason for pulling on the NG tube is crucial before implementing interventions. The client may be experiencing pain, discomfort, anxiety, or another issue that needs to be addressed.
Choice C Reason:
Applying a restraint should be a last resort and is not the initial action. Restraints are used to ensure safety when other measures have failed. The priority is to address the underlying cause and promote comfort without resorting to restraint.
Choice D Reason:
Documenting the client's behavior is important for the medical record, but it comes after assessing and addressing the immediate needs of the client. Understanding the context and reasons for the behavior is crucial for accurate documentation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Keep her arms at the sides of her body with her hands in a relaxed position is wrong. Keeping the hands in a relaxed position at the sides of the body may increase the risk of accidental contact with non-sterile surfaces.
Choice B Reason:
Interlock her fingers and hold her hands away from her body above her waist is wright. Interlocking fingers and holding hands above the waist may increase the risk of accidental contact with non-sterile surfaces.
Choice C Reason:
Clasp her hands together in a relaxed position behind her body at her waist is wrong. This positioning helps maintain sterility by keeping the hands away from potential contaminants and below the waist level. Placing the hands behind the body avoids accidental contact with non-sterile surfaces or objects.
Choice D Reason:
Place one hand over the other against the part of the gown covering her upper body is wrong. Placing hands on the gown covering the upper body may lead to contamination, as the gown is considered non-sterile on the outside. The hands should be kept in a position that minimizes the risk of contact with non-sterile surfaces.
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