The client is receiving a liter of 0.9% sodium chloride with potassium chloride (KCI) 30 mEq IV to infuse over 4 hours. Which nursing action has the highest priority for this client?
Maintain continuous cardiac monitoring.
Monitor urinary output.
Check a serum potassium level postinfusion.
Obtain vital signs every 2 hours.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Potassium affects the electrical activity of the heart, and abnormal potassium levels can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias or other complications. Continuous cardiac monitoring is crucial when administering potassium chloride because it helps detect any arrhythmias or changes in heart function that might be caused by changes in potassium levels.
B. Monitoring urinary output is important because adequate urine output helps assess kidney function and ensures that potassium is being excreted properly. While monitoring urinary output is important, it is secondary to immediate cardiac monitoring during the infusion.
C. Checking the serum potassium level after the infusion is important to confirm that potassium levels have normalized or stayed within the target range. However, this action is not as immediate as continuous cardiac monitoring during the infusion.
D. Regular monitoring of vital signs is important to assess overall client stability and detect any systemic changes. However, obtaining vital signs every 2 hours might not be as critical as continuous cardiac monitoring when administering potassium.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Providing frequent rest periods is important for older adults, especially those who may be experiencing fatigue or have chronic conditions. However, this intervention, while supportive, is not always the most critical or directly related to creating a therapeutic environment in all situations.
B. Allowing additional time for tasks is crucial for older adults who may have slower cognitive or physical processes. This approach helps reduce stress and frustration, contributing to a more supportive and therapeutic environment.
C. Placing assistive devices within reach is essential for ensuring safety and promoting independence. It helps older adults perform tasks more easily and reduces the risk of falls or accidents. This intervention is crucial for creating a therapeutic environment as it directly impacts the client’s ability to manage their own care and environment effectively.
D. Speaking slowly and distinctly is important for effective communication, especially if the older adult has hearing or cognitive impairments. It helps ensure that the client understands instructions and information, which is fundamental for their safety and engagement in their care.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Encouraging the spouse to share their feelings is the most appropriate initial action. It provides an opportunity for the spouse to express their emotions and begin processing their grief. This approach validates the spouse’s feelings, offers emotional support, and establishes a supportive environment where the spouse can feel heard and understood.
B. Offering reassurance that the spouse is not alone can be comforting, but it may not fully address the immediate emotional needs of the spouse. It is important to first allow the spouse to express their feelings and then provide reassurance as part of the ongoing support.
C. Discussing alternative treatment options may be premature and could be perceived as dismissive of the spouse’s immediate emotional response. At this moment, the spouse is focused on the emotional impact of the terminal diagnosis rather than treatment options.
D. While offering hope can be part of supportive care, this approach might unintentionally minimize the spouse’s current feelings of loss and grief. It can also come across as dismissive of the immediate emotional impact of the diagnosis.
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