A nurse is preparing to administer oral potassium for a client who has a potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Repeat the potassium level.
Withhold the medication.
Monitor for paresthesia.
Administer a hypertonic solution.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Repeating the potassium level is not the first action to take. The nurse already has a recent lab value.
Choice B rationale:
The nurse should withhold the medication. The normal range for potassium is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. A level of 5.5 mEq/L is high, so giving more potassium could lead to hyperkalemia.
Choice C rationale:
Monitoring for paresthesia is important in hyperkalemia, but it is not the first action. The nurse should first prevent further increase in potassium levels.
Choice D rationale:
Administering a hypertonic solution is not relevant in this situation. It does not directly address the high potassium level.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Initiating diuretic therapy is incorrect because it would further decrease the client’s already low calcium level.
Choice B rationale:
Implementing seizure precautions is correct because hypocalcemia can cause neuromuscular irritability and seizures.
Choice C rationale:
Preparing the client for hemodialysis is incorrect because it is not the first-line treatment for hypocalcemia.
Choice D rationale:
Administering phosphate is incorrect because it would further decrease the client’s already low calcium level.
Correct Answer is ["7.5"]
Explanation
The correct answer is 7.5 mL.
Calculation: Determine the amount of medication in 1 mL of solution: 20 mg/5 mL = 4 mg/mL Determine the volume of solution needed to administer 30 mg: 30 mg / 4 mg/mL = 7.5 mL
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