Prior to hanging an IV containing potassium, the nurse will confirm that there is:
blood pressure of at least 60 mm Hg diastolic
pulse of at least 50 beats/min.
urine output of at least 30 mL/hr.
filter on the IV line.
The Correct Answer is C
A. blood pressure of at least 60 mm Hg diastolic: Diastolic BP of 60 mm Hg is not the usual specific prerequisite cited for IV potassium.
B. pulse of at least 50 beats/min: Pulse criteria are not the standard prerequisite for giving IV potassium.
C. urine output of at least 30 mL/hr: Adequate urine output (commonly ≥30 mL/hr or ~0.5 mL/kg/hr) is required before IV potassium to ensure the kidneys can excrete potassium and to reduce risk of hyperkalemia/retention.
D. filter on the IV line: A filter is not a universal prerequisite for routine IV potassium administration (specific infusion sets vary by facility).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Serum sodium 140 mEq/L: Normal serum sodium (≈135–145 mEq/L); not an expected adverse effect of spironolactone.
B. Serum calcium 10.5 mg/dL: Mildly high calcium is not a characteristic adverse effect of spironolactone.
C. Serum potassium 5.2: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic and commonly causes hyperkalemia (monitor K+ closely).
D. Serum chloride 99 mEq/L: Chloride ~99 mEq/L is within normal limits (≈98–106) and not specific to spironolactone toxicity.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. If two different insulins are ordered, they need to be given in separate injections: Some insulins (e.g., regular with NPH) can be mixed in one syringe if they are compatible; they do not automatically require separate injections.
B. When mixing insulins, the cloudy (such as NPH) insulin is drawn up into the syringe first: Drawing cloudy first risks contaminating the clear insulin vial; the cloudy (NPH) is drawn after the clear.
C. Patients need to use the injection site that is the most accessible: Patients should rotate injection sites (abdomen, thigh, upper arm) to prevent lipodystrophy and ensure consistent absorption -not always use the most accessible site.
D. When mixing insulins, the clear (such as regular) insulin is drawn up into the syringe first: Standard safe technique is “clear before cloudy”: draw up the clear (regular) insulin first, then the cloudy (NPH), to avoid contaminating the short-acting insulin vial.
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