A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client and identifies a serum potassium 6.8 mEq/L (3.5-5 mEq/L). Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer?

Lactulose

Acetylcysteine

Sodium polystyrene (Kayexalate)

Triamterene

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Lactulose: Lactulose is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy by reducing ammonia levels, not for hyperkalemia.

B. Acetylcysteine: Acetylcysteine is used for acetaminophen overdose or as a mucolytic agent, not for hyperkalemia.

C. Sodium polystyrene (Kayexalate): Kayexalate is used to treat hyperkalemia by exchanging sodium for potassium in the intestines, promoting the elimination of potassium through the stool. This is the correct treatment for a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L, which is dangerously high.

D. Triamterene: Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic and would worsen hyperkalemia, not treat it.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Increased bowel sounds: Hypokalemia typically causes decreased bowel activity, leading to constipation or paralytic ileus, rather than increased bowel sounds.

B. Reports of fatigue: Fatigue is a hallmark symptom of hypokalemia due to impaired cellular and muscle function.

C. Positive Trousseau's sign: This is associated with hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia.

D. Reports of numbness in the feet: This is more commonly linked with neuropathy or hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia.

A. Have the laboratory draw a blood sample for an erythrocyte sedimentation rate. B. Restrict fluid intake. C. Obtain a 12-lead ECG. D. Administer potassium gluconate 40 mEq orally.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Have the laboratory draw a blood sample for an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): ESR measures inflammation and is unrelated to hyperkalemia.

B. Restrict fluid intake: Fluid restriction is not appropriate for hyperkalemia unless specifically related to fluid overload or renal failure.

C. Obtain a 12-lead ECG: Hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias such as peaked T waves, widened QRS complexes, or asystole. ECG monitoring is essential.

D. Administer potassium gluconate 40 mEq orally: This would worsen hyperkalemia and is contraindicated.

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A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client and identifies a serum potassium 6.8 mEq/L (3.5-5 mEq/L). Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in a provider's office is collecting data from a client who takes furosemide daily for heart failure. Which of the following findings is a manifestation of hypokalemia?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values for a client who takes spironolactone and notes that the client's serum potassium level is 6.8 mEq/L (3.5 -5 mEq/L). The nurse notifies the provider and anticipates that the provider will provide which of the following instructions?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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