The nurse notes that an elderly client has a history of osteoporosis. What safety measure should the nurse prioritize for this client?

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because stopping the KCl infusion is the first and most urgent action that the nurse should take. A high level of potassium in the blood, or hyperkalemia, can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. The nurse should stop the source of excess potassium, which is the KCl infusion, and monitor the client's vital signs, electrocardiogram, and symptoms.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer because administering oral KCl is not the first or appropriate action that the nurse should take. Oral KCl would increase the potassium level in the blood, which is already too high. The nurse should avoid giving any potassium supplements or foods that are high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, and potatoes.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer because encouraging fluids for dilution is not the first or effective action that the nurse should take. Fluids alone would not lower the potassium level in the blood, but rather dilute the concentration of other electrolytes, such as sodium and calcium. The nurse should administer fluids only as prescribed by the physician, and in conjunction with other treatments, such as diuretics, insulin, or sodium bicarbonate.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because calling the pharmacy is not the first or priority action that the nurse should take. Calling the pharmacy may be necessary to obtain the medications that can lower the potassium level in the blood, such as diuretics, insulin, or sodium bicarbonate. However, the nurse should first stop the KCl infusion and notify the physician, who will order the appropriate medications and dosages.

Choice A reason: Nurses can accomplish more if they perform the easiest or fastest interventions is not a primary reason for prioritizing care. This statement implies that nurses should focus on the quantity rather than the quality of care. However, nurses should prioritize care based on the urgency and complexity of the patient's needs, not on the ease or speed of the interventions. Performing the easiest or fastest interventions may not address the most important or critical issues that the patient faces.

Choice B reason: Nurses should always perform interventions related to client preference early in the shift is not a primary reason for prioritizing care. This statement implies that nurses should base their care on the patient's wishes rather than the patient's condition. However, nurses should prioritize care based on the severity and acuity of the patient's problems, not on the patient's preference. Performing interventions related to client preference early in the shift may not be feasible or appropriate if the patient has more urgent or emergent needs that require immediate attention.

Choice C reason: Nurses need to plan how to accomplish all activities within one shift is not a primary reason for prioritizing care. This statement implies that nurses should focus on the completion rather than the quality of care. However, nurses should prioritize care based on the significance and impact of the patient's outcomes, not on the completion of the activities. Accomplishing all activities within one shift may not be possible or necessary if the patient's situation changes or if some activities can be delegated or postponed.

Choice D reason: Nurses have a limited amount of time to perform nursing interventions during a shift is a primary reason for prioritizing care. This statement acknowledges that nurses face time constraints and competing demands in their work environment. Therefore, nurses should prioritize care based on the best use of their time and resources to meet the patient's needs. Having a limited amount of time to perform nursing interventions during a shift requires nurses to make clinical judgments and decisions that optimize the patient's health and safety.