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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Cabbage is low in potassium and not ideal for correcting hypokalemia.
B. White rice is low in potassium and does not help increase potassium levels.
C. Cheddar cheese contains minimal potassium and is not effective for raising serum potassium.
D. Bananas are rich in potassium and are appropriate to help correct hypokalemia caused by furosemide use.

A. A 50-year-old patient admitted for an acute exacerbation of hyperparathyroidism B. A 7-year-old child admitted for severe burns C. A 24-year-old admitted for chronic alcohol abuse D. A 75-year-old patient admitted for a broken hip related to osteoporosis

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Hyperparathyroidism typically causes hypercalcemia, which would not result in a positive Chvostek’s sign.
B. Severe burns can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances, including hypocalcemia, but it's less specific than option C.
C. Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia, which are known causes of a positive Chvostek’s sign, a clinical sign of neuromuscular irritability due to low calcium levels.
D. Osteoporosis may be related to chronic calcium deficiency, but it does not directly cause the acute hypocalcemia needed to produce a positive Chvostek’s sign.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who takes furosemide and has a serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client to include in his daily diet?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

In which patient will the nurse expect to see a positive Chvostek's sign?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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