When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Determine apical pulse rate and rhythm.

Observe color and amount of urine.

Compare muscle strength bilaterally.

Assess strength of deep tendon reflexes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: This is the most important intervention because a high serum potassium level can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should monitor the client's heart rate and rhythm closely and report any changes or abnormalities to the healthcare provider.

Choice B reason: This is not the most important intervention because the color and amount of urine are not directly related to the serum potassium level. The nurse should assess the client's renal function and fluid balance, but these are not the priority assessments.

Choice C reason: This is also not the most important intervention because the muscle strength is not the most sensitive indicator of the serum potassium level. The nurse should evaluate the client's neuromuscular status and watch for signs of weakness or paralysis, but these are not the priority assessments.

Choice D reason: This is another incorrect intervention because the deep tendon reflexes are not the most reliable indicator of the serum potassium level. The nurse should check the client's reflexes and note any hyperreflexia or hyporeflexia, but these are not the priority assessments.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Muscle strength and tone is not the most important assessment for the nurse to perform prior to the application of a heating pad. It may be relevant for some clients who have musculoskeletal problems, but it does not indicate the risk of thermal injury.

Choice B reason: Limitations to range of motion is not the most important assessment for the nurse to perform prior to the application of a heating pad. It may be relevant for some clients who have joint stiffness or pain, but it does not indicate the risk of thermal injury.

Choice C reason: Presence of rebound phenomenon is not the most important assessment for the nurse to perform prior to the application of a heating pad. It is a sign of peritoneal inflammation that occurs when pressure is released from the abdomen. It has nothing to do with the application of a heating pad.

Choice D reason: Degree of neurosensory impairment is the most important assessment for the nurse to perform prior to the application of a heating pad. It indicates the client's ability to perceive heat and pain sensations. If the client has impaired neurosensory function, the nurse should avoid using a heating pad or use it with caution and frequent monitoring.

A. Print electronic medical record (EMR) from backup server. B. Notify information services department of the situation. C. Identify information as late entry in the record. D. Wait for notification that the system has been rebooted.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Printing electronic medical record (EMR) from backup server is not the best action to take first. It may not be possible or feasible to access the backup server if the system is down. It may also delay the communication and delivery of the prescriptions to the lab.

Choice B reason: Notifying information services department of the situation is the best action to take first. It alerts the experts who can troubleshoot and fix the problem as soon as possible. It also allows the nurse to obtain guidance on how to proceed with the documentation and prescriptions.

Choice C reason: Identifying information as late entry in the record is a relevant action to take, but not the first one. It ensures the accuracy and completeness of the EMR, but it does not address the immediate issue of the system failure. The nurse may not be able to enter the information until the system is restored.

Choice D reason: Waiting for notification that the system has been rebooted is not a proactive action to take first. It may waste valuable time and compromise the client's care. The nurse should not assume that the system will be rebooted automatically or quickly.

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When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which assessment is most important for the nurse to perform prior to the application of a heating pad?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is entering prescriptions for lab work in a client's electronic medical record (EMR) when the system locks up and does not restart. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client who is on complete bedrest frequently calls the nurse for the bedpan to urinate. Which action should the nurse take to evaluate the client for urinary retention?

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The nurse is teaching a client about how to use crutches. Which action performed by the client demonstrates to the nurse a correct understanding of how to use the crutches?

A client is admitted with pneumonia and has a recent history of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The client is placed in isolation. While caring for the client, which item should the nurse place in a designated biohazard bag before it is removed from the room?

Which explanation is best for the nurse to provide a client who asks the purpose of using the log-rolling technique for turning?

A client with a family history of cardiac disease is seeking information to control risk factors. Which lifestyle modification is most important for the nurse to encourage?

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