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 ["1.5"]
Explanation
Step 1: Determine the desired dose
The desired dose is 60 mg of ibuprofen.
Step 2: Calculate the dose per mL
The available concentration is 50 mg per 1.25 mL.
Step 3: Set up a proportion to find the volume needed
(50 mg / 1.25 mL) = (60 mg / x mL)
Step 4: Solve for x
x = (60 mg 1.25 mL) / 50 mg
x = 1.5 mL
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. “This medication will darken the color of my eyes.” is incorrect. Timolol is a nonselective beta-blocker used to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma. It does not typically cause eye color changes.
B. "I should check my heart rate while taking this medication." is correct. Timolol can cause systemic side effects such as bradycardia, so the client should monitor their heart rate while taking the medication.
C. "I should take a zinc supplement while taking this medication." is incorrect. Zinc supplementation is not related to the use of timolol.
D. “This medication will dilate my eyes." is incorrect. Timolol works by decreasing aqueous humor production, reducing intraocular pressure, and does not cause dilation of the eyes. Medications like atropine are used for pupil dilation.
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