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:
Applying a warm pack can increase swelling and pain, so it is not recommended.
Choice B rationale:
Removing the stinger by scraping it off with a knife blade can help to reduce the amount of venom that is released into the body.
Choice C rationale:
Applying a tourniquet can restrict blood flow and cause more harm than good.
Choice D rationale:
Sucking the wound can introduce bacteria and cause infection, so it is not recommended.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Requesting a prescription for an analgesic for the client is a part of conventional medical treatment.
Choice B rationale:
Checking the client’s oxygen saturation level is a part of conventional medical treatment.
Choice C rationale:
Encouraging the client to take slow, deep breaths can help manage pain and is a holistic nursing approach.
Choice D rationale:
Obtaining blood work from the client is a part of conventional medical treatment.
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