A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has a potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan?
Give a dose of alendronate.
Administer furosemide.
Apply a cardiac monitor.
Monitor for Chvostek's sign.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Give a dose of alendronate is incorrect. Alendronate is a medication used to treat osteoporosis, and it does not address low potassium levels. In this case, the focus should be on correcting the potassium imbalance.
B. Administer furosemide is incorrect. Furosemide is a diuretic that can cause further loss of potassium. In a client with low potassium levels (hypokalemia., administering furosemide could worsen the condition and lead to life-threatening complications.
C. Apply a cardiac monitor is correct. Hypokalemia (potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L) can cause significant cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Applying a cardiac monitor is essential for monitoring the client’s heart rhythm and detecting any abnormalities related to the low potassium level.
D. Monitor for Chvostek's sign is incorrect. Chvostek's sign is indicative of hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia. While both hypocalcemia and hypokalemia can cause neuromuscular excitability, monitoring for Chvostek’s sign is not a priority in the management of hypokalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Arms raised above her head with her legs elevated on pillows: This is not an appropriate position for a lumbar puncture. The positioning is not ideal for access to the lumbar region and would be uncomfortable for the client.
B. Prone with her arms at her side and her legs extended: While this position may be used for certain procedures, it is not the most appropriate position for a lumbar puncture, which requires specific spinal positioning to access the subarachnoid space effectively.
C. Trendelenburg with her body in Sims' position: Trendelenburg involves positioning the client with the head lower than the feet, which is not necessary for a lumbar puncture and could interfere with the procedure. The Sims' position is more suited for certain other procedures.
D. Head flexed to the chest and her knees pulled up to the abdomen: This is correct. The client should be in a fetal position, with the head flexed toward the chest and the knees pulled up toward the abdomen. This position helps to widen the intervertebral spaces and facilitates easier access for the lumbar puncture.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Assign clients to the remaining staff is not the first action. The nurse should address the suspected impairment of the staff member before assigning clients to others.
B. Call the supervisor to ask for another nurse is not the first action. While notifying the supervisor is important, the nurse should first ensure that the impaired nurse is removed from direct client care to prevent any potential harm to clients.
C. Remove the nurse from the client care area is correct. The first priority is to ensure that the nurse who may be impaired is not caring for clients to ensure client safety.
D. Document objective findings about the situation is important but not the first step. The immediate priority is ensuring the safety of clients by removing the nurse from the care area. Documentation can follow after ensuring client safety.
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