One week after beginning a new prescription for potassium chloride, a client tells the practical nurse (PN) that there is tingling and numbness in the feet and hands. Which action should the PN take?

Notify the unit charge nurse of the client's reported symptoms immediately.

Reassure the client that the supplement will soon relieve those symptoms.

Explain that a calcium supplement may be necessary.

Encourage the client to decrease the intake of dietary sodium.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Notify the unit charge nurse of the client's reported symptoms immediately: Tingling and numbness can be signs of hyperkalemia, a serious and potentially life-threatening complication from potassium supplementation. Immediate reporting is necessary for prompt evaluation and intervention to prevent cardiac or neuromuscular complications.
B. Reassure the client that the supplement will soon relieve those symptoms: Symptoms like tingling and numbness are not expected side effects of potassium therapy. Reassurance without investigation could delay necessary medical treatment and worsen the client’s condition.
C. Explain that a calcium supplement may be necessary: Calcium supplementation is not the standard response to symptoms of potassium imbalance. Without a clear diagnosis, recommending additional supplements could complicate the clinical situation further.
D. Encourage the client to decrease the intake of dietary sodium: Although reducing sodium is generally beneficial for health, it does not address the acute issue of possible potassium imbalance causing neuromuscular symptoms. Immediate clinical evaluation takes priority.

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Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

A. Medications are limited to managing pain: While pain management is a key component of hospice care, medications are not limited only to pain management. Hospice care also addresses other symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, and anxiety to improve comfort.
B. Care can be provided in the home: Hospice care can indeed be provided in the home, allowing the client to remain in a familiar environment while receiving palliative care. This is a central aspect of hospice services.
C. Care focuses on quality of life at the end of life: Hospice care prioritizes comfort and quality of life, providing emotional, spiritual, and physical support for both the client and family at the end of life.
D. Curative measures are optional: In hospice care, curative treatments are typically discontinued because the focus shifts to palliative care aimed at comfort and symptom relief rather than attempting to cure the illness.
E. Family is responsible for care decisions: While families are involved in decisions, hospice care involves collaboration with the healthcare team, and decisions are made based on the patient's wishes and comfort, not solely by the family.

A. Alteration in comfort. B. Deficit in diversional activity. C. Elevated blood pressure. D. Change in blood glucose level.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Alteration in comfort: Restlessness, shallow breathing, and clenching teeth are strong indicators of discomfort or pain, especially in a client with aphasia who cannot verbalize needs. Assessing for pain or other sources of distress is the priority to address the client’s immediate comfort and prevent further deterioration.
B. Deficit in diversional activity: While limited activity can impact emotional health, signs like restlessness and physical tension suggest an immediate physical problem rather than boredom or inactivity. Comfort issues must be addressed first before considering diversional needs.
C. Elevated blood pressure: Stroke patients are at risk for hypertension, but restlessness and shallow respirations alone do not directly indicate elevated blood pressure. Blood pressure may rise secondary to pain or distress, but comfort assessment is still the initial focus.
D. Change in blood glucose level: Blood glucose fluctuations can cause changes in mental status or energy levels, but the client’s symptoms of clenching teeth and shallow breathing more strongly point toward discomfort or pain rather than hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

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One week after beginning a new prescription for potassium chloride, a client tells the practical nurse (PN) that there is tingling and numbness in the feet and hands. Which action should the PN take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

The practical nurse (PN) is providing care for a client with a history of a stroke and who has aphasia. The client is exhibiting restlessness, shallow respirations and is clenching teeth. Which problem should the PN assess further?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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