A nurse is preparing to administer oral potassium to a client who has a potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Withhold the medication.
Administer a hypertonic solution.
Repeat the potassium level.
Monitor for paresthesia.
The Correct Answer is C
Before administering any medication, the nurse should confirm the potassium level to ensure that it is still elevated and needs to be treated. Potassium levels can fluctuate, so repeating the test will ensure that the client receives the appropriate treatment.
Options (a) Withhold the medication and (b) Administering a hypertonic solution may be appropriate interventions depending on the client's condition, but confirming the potassium level is the first step.
Option (d) Monitoring for paresthesia is important but not the first action that the nurse should take.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The plan of care for a patient with hypothermia and fluid volume excess would typically include measures to increase the patient's body temperature and decrease their fluid volume. Therefore, option a (fluid restriction) would be appropriate for this patient.
Options b (administration of hypotonic IV fluids) and d (administration of ion-exchange resin) would not be appropriate because they would increase the patient's fluid volume rather than decrease it.
Option c (placement of an indwelling urinary catheter) may be appropriate to closely monitor the patient's urine output, which is an important indicator of their fluid status. However, this alone would not be sufficient to manage the patient's hypothermia and fluid volume excess.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Based on the given arterial blood gas results, the patient's pH is elevated, indicating alkalosis. The PaCO2 level is decreased, which suggests respiratory compensation. The bicarbonate (HCO3-) level is within the normal range. Therefore, the interpretation of the arterial blood gas results is respiratory alkalosis.
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