The healthcare provider prescribes 5% Dextrose Injection, USP with 20 units of regular insulin for a client with a serum potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L (6.0 mmol/L) and glucose level of 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L). Which evaluation is most important for the nurse to include in this client's plan of care?

Reference Range

Potassium [Reference Range: 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)]

Glucose [Reference Range: 0 to 50 years: 74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]

Evaluate glucose levels before and after meals.

Assess the serum potassium level every 4 hours.

Monitor and document strict intake and output.

Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram daily.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

The client's serum potassium level is elevated at 6.0 mEq/L (6.0 mmol/L), which is above the normal reference range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L).

Hyperkalemia can have significant cardiac implications, including the potential for life-threatening dysrhythmias. Therefore, close monitoring of the serum potassium level is crucial to assess the effectiveness of interventions and ensure that potassium levels are within a safe range.

While monitoring glucose levels before and after meals is important for clients receiving insulin therapy, in this scenario, the primary concern is the elevated potassium level.

The nurse should prioritize frequent assessment of the serum potassium level to guide appropriate management and prevent complications associated with hyperkalemia.

Monitoring and documenting strict intake and output are important for assessing fluid balance and renal function, but in this case, the elevated potassium level takes precedence as it poses a more immediate risk to the client's well-being.

Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) daily may be indicated in some cases of hyperkalemia, as certain ECG changes can be associated with elevated potassium levels. However, the more critical aspect is monitoring the potassium level itself, as ECG changes can occur rapidly and may not always be detectable on a daily basis.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Orlistat is a weight-control medication that works by inhibiting the absorption of dietary

fats in the intestines. It can also interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K) and beta-carotene. Therefore, it is important for the client to take a multivitamin supplement to ensure an adequate intake of these essential nutrients.

However, it is recommended to take the multivitamin and orlistat at least two hours apart. This is because orlistat can potentially interfere with the absorption of the

fat-soluble vitamins in the multivitamin if taken simultaneously. By spacing them apart, the client can optimize the absorption of both the medication and the multivitamin.

Multivitamins are not contraindicated during treatment with orlistat. In fact, they are often recommended to compensate for potential nutrient deficiencies.

While orlistat may contain some vitamins and minerals, it does not provide all the recommended daily amounts. Therefore, additional supplementation may be necessary. While following a well-balanced diet is indeed important for good nutrition, it does not address the need for specific nutrient supplementation when taking orlistat. Both a balanced diet and appropriate vitamin supplementation can be beneficial in this situation.

A. Advise the client that lifestyle changes often takes several weeks to be effective. B. Encourage the client to exercise every day to eliminate bedtime wakefulness. C. Determine the amount of weight the client has lost since increasing activity. D. Ask the client for a description of the exercise schedule that is being followed.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

In this scenario, the client is experiencing difficulty falling asleep at night, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness. These symptoms may indicate that the client's exercise routine is impacting their sleep patterns. By asking the client for a description of their exercise schedule, the nurse can gather important information about the timing, intensity, and duration of the client's exercise regimen.

Exercise has numerous benefits for sleep and overall health, but the timing and intensity of exercise can affect sleep patterns differently for individuals. Vigorous exercise close to bedtime may increase alertness and make it harder for some people to fall asleep.

Therefore, understanding the client's exercise routine will help the nurse assess if the timing or intensity of the exercise is contributing to the sleep issues.

Based on the information gathered, the nurse can provide appropriate guidance. This may include adjusting the timing of exercise to earlier in the day, reducing the intensity of exercise closer to bedtime, or considering other factors that may be contributing to the sleep difficulties, such as caffeine intake, stress, or environmental factors.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client has received a prescription for orlistat for weight and nutrition management. In addition to the medication, the client plans to take a multivitamin. Which teaching should the nurse provide?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client tells the nurse about jogging every day with the hope of losing weight and sleeping better. The client states that it takes hours to fall asleep at night and is experiencing fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The school nurse is called to the soccer field because a child has a nose bleed (epistaxis). In which position should the nurse place the child?

A client who has been taking allopurinol prophylactically comes into the clinic with reoccurring gout attack episodes in left ankle. The healthcare provider changes the prescription to febuxostat. Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

The nurse is administering multiple prescribed vaccines to a toddler. Which strategy should the nurse prioritize to reduce the duration of pain?

The nurse discovers that a male client has attempted suicide by slashing his wrists. Which action(s) should the nurse do first?

A college student brings a dorm roommate to the campus clinic because the roommate has been talking to someone who is not present. The client tells the nurse that the voices are saying, "Kill, kill." Which question should the nurse ask the client next?

The practical nurse (PN) reports that a client who has a fingerstick glucose of 35 mg/dL (1.94 mmol/L) is alert and diaphoretic. Which action should the charge nurse take? Reference Ranges Glucose [Reference Range: 0 to 50 years: 74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]

The nurse has completed the diet teaching of a client who is being discharged following treatment of a leg wound. A high protein diet is encouraged to promote wound healing. Which lunch choice by the client Indicates that the teaching was effective?