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 A
Explanation
A. Allowing privacy for the family and client is a compassionate and appropriate action, especially as the client's death is imminent. This respects the client's wishes and provides a supportive environment for the family to process their emotions and say their goodbyes.
B. Continuously measuring blood pressure in this scenario is less appropriate because the client is in the final stages of life and their focus should be on comfort rather than monitoring vital signs. Frequent blood pressure measurements may be distressing for the family and do not align with the goals of end- of-life care, which prioritize comfort and dignity.
C. Teaching the family to use an oral suction device is not appropriate at this stage because the client is actively dying, and such interventions are not typically useful or necessary in end-of-life care. The focus should be on providing comfort rather than invasive procedures or teaching new skills to family members.
D. Applying oxygen and elevating the head of the bed can be appropriate interventions for clients experiencing respiratory distress; however, this may conflict with the advance directive if the directive explicitly states no resuscitative measures
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While notifying the healthcare provider may be necessary in some cases, it's not the most immediate or appropriate action in this situation. The nurse can address the client's concerns directly by providing a bedside commode.
B. While having a UAP available for assistance can be helpful, providing a bedside commode is a more practical and efficient solution.
C. A bedside commode can help prevent accidents and spills, which can be embarrassing and contribute to a negative experience. Offering a bedside commode demonstrates respect for the client's concerns and preferences, which can help to build trust and improve the overall care experience.
D. A bedpan may not be as comfortable or convenient for the client as a bedside commode, especially if they have mobility limitations.
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