A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory values and discovers the client has a serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L. Which of the following interventions should the nurse anticipate?

Administering a potassium-sparing diuretic.

Administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

Initiating an IV potassium infusion.

Encouraging the client to eat bananas.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

The correct answer is choice B) Administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

Choice A rationale:

Administering a potassium-sparing diuretic is not appropriate for a client with hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). Potassium-sparing diuretics would further increase potassium levels, worsening the condition.

Choice B rationale:

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used to treat hyperkalemia. It works by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines, which helps to lower serum potassium levels by excreting it through the stool.

Choice C rationale:

Initiating an IV potassium infusion would be contraindicated in this situation as it would increase the already elevated potassium levels, potentially leading to dangerous cardiac complications.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging the client to eat bananas is not advisable because bananas are high in potassium, which would exacerbate hyperkalemia.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Increased urine ketones are not indicative of fluid volume deficit. Instead, they may suggest diabetic ketoacidosis or starvation ketosis.

Choice B rationale:

Decreased Hgb (hemoglobin) is not specific to fluid volume deficit and can be seen in various conditions such as anemia or bleeding.

Choice C rationale:

Decreased urine specific gravity is not consistent with fluid volume deficit, as it usually results in concentrated urine with increased specific gravity.

Choice D rationale:

An increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is expected in fluid volume deficit due to reduced kidney perfusion and function. BUN is a marker of kidney function and is elevated when fluid volume is low.

A. Phosphorus 4.5 mEq/L. B. Potassium 2.9 mEq/L. C. Calcium 8.2 mg/dL. D. Sodium 145 mEq/L.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

A phosphorus level of 4.5 mEq/L falls within the normal range, which is typically between 2.5 to 4.5 mEq/L. Although it's essential to monitor phosphorus levels, it is not the priority finding in this scenario.

Choice B rationale:

A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L is the priority finding. The normal range for potassium is typically between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L indicates severe hypokalemia, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Immediate intervention is necessary to address the potassium imbalance.

Choice C rationale:

A calcium level of 8.2 mg/dL falls within the normal range (typically 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL). While calcium levels are essential to monitor, they do not take precedence over the critically low potassium level in this situation.

Choice D rationale:

A sodium level of 145 mEq/L falls within the normal range, which is usually around 135 to 145 mEq/L. Although monitoring sodium levels is important, it is not the priority finding when compared to the critically low potassium level.

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A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory values and discovers the client has a serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L. Which of the following interventions should the nurse anticipate?

Nursing Test Bank

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