A nurse is preparing to administer potassium chloride 20 mEq. The amount available is potassium chloride liquid 40 mEq/15 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer? (Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is ["7.5"]

We can calculate the volume of potassium chloride solution to administer using the following steps:

Identify the prescribed dose: The nurse needs to administer 20 mEq of potassium chloride.

Identify the concentration of available solution: The potassium chloride liquid is available in a concentration of 40 mEq/15 mL. This means there are 40 milliequivalents (mEq) of potassium chloride in every 15 milliliters (mL) of the solution.

Set up a proportion to find the volume needed:

Desired dose (mEq) : Volume to administer (mL) = Concentration (mEq/mL)

Plug in the values:

20 mEq : Volume to administer (mL) = 40 mEq/15 mL

Solve for the volume:

To isolate the volume (mL), multiply both sides of the proportion by the volume unit (mL) and divide by the dose (mEq).

Volume to administer (mL) = (20 mEq) x (mL) / (40 mEq/15 mL)

We can simplify the calculation before dividing:

Volume to administer (mL) = (20 mEq x 15 mL) / 40 mEq

Volume to administer (mL) = 300 mL / 40 mEq

Volume to administer (mL) = 7.5 mL (round to one decimal place)

Therefore, the nurse should administer 7.5 mL of the potassium chloride solution.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Cimetidine 300 mg PO four times per day:
Cimetidine, a histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonist used to treat gastric acid-related disorders, does not typically affect potassium levels. Its mechanism of action involves reducing stomach acid production rather than impacting electrolyte balance.

B) Furosemide 80 mg PO daily:
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the loop of Henle, leading to increased urinary excretion of potassium (potassium wasting). This mechanism can result in hypokalemia, especially with higher doses or prolonged use.

C) Acyclovir 400 mg PO twice daily:
Acyclovir is an antiviral medication primarily used for herpes simplex virus infections. It does not have a known association with causing hypokalemia.

D) Meloxicam 5 mg PO once daily:
Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief and inflammation. It does not affect potassium levels and is not associated with causing hypokalemia.

A. Chill the otic solution prior to administration. B. Pull the pinna upward and backward. C. Avoid applying pressure to the tragus of the ear. D. Don sterile gloves to instill the medication.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Chill the otic solution prior to administration:
Chilling ear drops is not typically necessary or recommended. Cold solutions can cause discomfort or dizziness when instilled into the ear. Room temperature or slightly warmed ear drops are generally more comfortable for the client.

B) Pull the pinna upward and backward:
This is the correct action for administering ear drops to an adult client. Pulling the pinna (outer ear) upward and backward helps straighten the ear canal, allowing the drops to enter the ear canal properly.

C) Avoid applying pressure to the tragus of the ear:
The tragus is the small cartilaginous flap in front of the ear canal. Applying pressure to the tragus can help facilitate the flow of medication into the ear canal rather than avoiding it. Gently pressing on the tragus after instilling the drops can aid in distributing the medication.

D) Don sterile gloves to instill the medication:
Sterile gloves are not typically required for administering ear drops unless the nurse is dealing with a client with a compromised immune system or open ear canal. Standard precautions (clean hands) are usually sufficient for administering ear drops.

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A nurse is preparing to administer potassium chloride 20 mEq. The amount available is potassium chloride liquid 40 mEq/15 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer? (Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

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Correct Answer is B

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Correct Answer is B

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