The nurse is caring for the client with cardiac and renal disease. The client now has a serum potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L. Which medications, if prescribed, should the nurse administer? Select all that apply.
Calcium gluconate 1.5 grams IV now
Dextrose 50% injection (50ml) IV push now
Colace 100 mg PO now
Regular insulin 10 units IV now
Potassium chloride 20 mEq orally now
Correct Answer : A,B,D
A) Calcium gluconate 1.5 grams IV now: Calcium gluconate is administered to counteract the effects of hyperkalemia by stabilizing the myocardial cell membrane. It does not lower potassium levels but helps protect the heart from potential dysrhythmias associated with high potassium levels.
B) Dextrose 50% injection (50ml) IV push now: Dextrose 50% injection, also known as D50W, is administered to temporarily shift potassium from the extracellular space into the intracellular space, thereby lowering serum potassium levels. It is commonly used in combination with insulin to facilitate the movement of potassium into cells.
C) Colace 100 mg PO now: Colace is a stool softener and does not affect serum potassium levels. It is not indicated for the treatment of hyperkalemia.
D) Regular insulin 10 units IV now: Regular insulin is administered with dextrose to facilitate the movement of potassium from the extracellular space into the intracellular space. Insulin stimulates the cellular uptake of glucose, which in turn drives potassium into cells along with glucose.
E) Potassium chloride 20 mEq orally now: Potassium chloride is contraindicated in the treatment of hyperkalemia as it would further increase serum potassium levels. It is typically used to supplement potassium in clients with hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Raise the bed to a comfortable height:
Raising the bed to a comfortable height is essential for proper body mechanics and preventing back strain. It ensures the nurse can perform the procedure efficiently and safely.
B. Stand on the left side of the bed:
While a left-handed nurse might prefer to stand on the left side for better access, this choice depends on the room layout and client position. Standing on the side where the nurse is most comfortable is essential, but it is not the primary action compared to ensuring proper bed height.
C. Raise the side rail on the working side of the bed:
Raising the side rail on the working side of the bed could obstruct the nurse's access to the client and is not generally recommended during procedures requiring close access to the client.
D. Use the non-dominant hand to insert the catheter:
The dominant hand, in this case, the left hand, should be used to insert the catheter for better control and precision. The non-dominant hand is typically used to hold the genitalia and provide stability.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Airborne:
Airborne precautions are used for infections transmitted via small droplet nuclei that remain suspended in the air for long periods and can be inhaled by others. Examples of diseases requiring airborne precautions include tuberculosis, measles, and chickenpox. Pertussis is not transmitted via the airborne route.
B. Contact:
Contact precautions are used for infections spread by direct or indirect contact with the client or their environment. Examples include Clostridioides difficile, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Pertussis is primarily spread through respiratory droplets rather than contact with contaminated surfaces.
C. Droplet:
Pertussis is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The nurse should initiate droplet precautions to prevent the transmission of the bacteria to others. These include wearing a surgical mask when within 3 feet of the client, placing the client in a private room or cohorting with another client who has the same infection, and ensuring that visitors wear masks and practice hand hygiene.
D. Protective:
Protective precautions, also known as reverse isolation, are used to protect clients who have compromised immune systems from exposure to pathogens. This precaution is not relevant for a client with pertussis; instead, the focus is on preventing transmission to others through droplet precautions.
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