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 C
Explanation
Clostridium difficile is a highly contagious bacteria that can spread easily from person to person. The patient should be placed in a private room to prevent the spread of the infection to other patients. Contact isolation precautions should also be implemented, which involves wearing gloves and a gown when entering the patient's room, as well as washing hands thoroughly after leaving the room.
Options a and b are not directly related to the care of a patient with Clostridium difficile. Option d is also not directly related, although proper food handling and storage can help prevent the spread of other types of infections.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
GERD can increase the risk of aspiration (inhalation of stomach contents into the lungs), which can cause respiratory issues, including abnormal breath sounds. In these cases, monitoring of breath sounds may be more appropriate than monitoring of bowel sounds.
Bowel sounds are not typically monitored for GERD patients as GERD is a condition that affects the esophagus and the stomach, not the intestines. GERD is caused by the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, which can cause symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation.
Abdominal girth is not routinely monitored for GERD patients as it is not typically related to the condition. GERD is a disorder that affects the esophagus and stomach and does not typically cause significant changes in abdominal size or girth. In rare cases, GERD can be complicated by a condition known as a para oesophageal hernia, which can cause a visible bulge in the abdomen. In these cases, monitoring of abdominal size and shape may be necessary.
The apical pulse is not routinely monitored for GERD patients as it is not directly related to the condition. GERD is a disorder that affects the digestive system, specifically the esophagus and stomach and does not typically have an impact on heart rate or rhythm.
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