A nurse is preparing to administer potassium chloride to a client who has a potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Hold the medication until the client has his evening meal.
Inform the provider of the client's potassium level.
Obtain a prescription to increase the dosage of the medication.
Give the medication as prescribed.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Hold the medication until the client has his evening meal: Holding the medication for this reason is inappropriate because the issue is the elevated potassium level, not the timing with meals.
B. Inform the provider of the client's potassium level: Correct. A potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L is elevated (hyperkalemia), and the provider should be informed immediately before administering any more potassium.
C. Obtain a prescription to increase the dosage of the medication: Increasing the dosage would be dangerous given the elevated potassium level.
D. Give the medication as prescribed: Administering potassium chloride with a high potassium level is unsafe and could exacerbate the hyperkalemia.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Explain the procedure to the client: While explaining the procedure is important, it does not directly address the client's privacy concerns.
B. Obtain assistance so the client does not become resistant to the procedure: Obtaining assistance may help with the procedure but does not address the client's privacy concerns and might increase their anxiety.
C. Gather the equipment necessary before starting the procedure: Gathering equipment is important for preparedness but does not directly address privacy concerns.
D. Close the door and cover the client during the procedure: Closing the door and covering the client directly addresses privacy concerns and helps the client feel more comfortable and secure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Discontinue the TPN infusion: Discontinuing TPN is not appropriate unless specifically indicated by a healthcare provider.
B. Administer glucagon IM: Glucagon is used for severe hypoglycemia, not for low potassium.
C. Check the client for a positive Chvostek's sign: Chvostek's sign is associated with hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia.
D. Request a potassium replacement: The client's potassium level is low (3.0 mEq/L), so potassium replacement is necessary.
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