A nurse received an order 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 and Inform the provider of the client's potassium level.
Obtain an order to increase the dosage of the medication.
Hold the medication until the client has his evening meal.
Give the medication as prescribed.
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Hold the medication and inform the provider of the client's potassium level: A potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia (normal range is 3.5–5.0 mEq/L). Administering potassium chloride in this situation could worsen the hyperkalemia and lead to serious cardiac complications. The provider should be notified immediately.
B. Obtain an order to increase the dosage of the medication: This would be unsafe and inappropriate since the potassium level is already elevated.
C. Hold the medication until the client has his evening meal: Delaying the dose does not address the issue. The problem is the elevated potassium, not the timing.
D. Give the medication as prescribed: Administering potassium in the presence of hyperkalemia is dangerous and could result in life-threatening arrhythmias.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Increased urine output: Mr. Allen's urine output is actually low (600 mL/24 hrs), and his urine is dark and concentrated, suggesting dehydration, not excessive urinary losses.
B. Loss of gastric secretions: Continuous suction via the nasogastric (NG) tube removes gastric fluids, which are rich in potassium, chloride, hydrogen ions, and magnesium. This is the main reason for his observed hypokalemia (K = 2.9), hypochloremia (Cl = 94), and low magnesium (Mg = 1.2).
C. Decreased oral intake: While Mr. Allen is NPO, reduced intake alone is not sufficient to cause such significant electrolyte imbalances in a short period. The active loss of electrolytes through NG suction is the primary contributor.
D. Fever is not mentioned in the scenario. Fever can lead to insensible fluid losses, but this is not relevant here and not the primary mechanism of electrolyte depletion.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Kidneys regulate bicarbonate and acid-base balance but do not directly regulate CO₂ levels.
B. Blood carries CO₂ but does not regulate its amount.
C. Pancreas is involved in digestion and insulin secretion, not CO₂ regulation.
D. Lungs regulate CO₂ by controlling its exhalation during respiration, directly affecting CO₂ levels in the blood.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.