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.

Answer and Explanation

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 A

Explanation

A. Tetany: A calcium level of 8 mg/dL is below the normal range (8.5-10.5 mg/dL) and can cause tetany, which includes muscle cramps, spasms, and positive signs like Chvostek and Trousseau signs.
B. Constipation: Constipation is more commonly associated with hypercalcemia, not hypocalcemia.
C. Negative Chvostek sign: A positive Chvostek sign is expected in hypocalcemia, indicating neuromuscular irritability.
D. Elevated blood pressure: Elevated blood pressure is not specifically associated with hypocalcemia.

A. Introduce a regular diet. B. Assess fluid balance. C. Rehydrate. D. Maintain fluid therapy.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Introduce a regular diet: Introducing a regular diet is important but not the immediate priority.
B. Assess fluid balance: Assessing fluid balance is the priority to determine the extent of dehydration and guide rehydration therapy.
C. Rehydrate: Rehydration is crucial, but assessing fluid balance is necessary first to determine the appropriate rehydration method.
D. Maintain fluid therapy: Maintaining fluid therapy is important but comes after assessing the fluid balance to tailor the treatment accurately.

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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?

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