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 C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Offering reassurance that she is not alone is not the best action to take first. It may sound dismissive of her feelings and make her feel more isolated.

Choice B reason: Explaining that alternative treatment options may be helpful is not the best action to take first. It may give false hope or imply that the wife is not accepting the reality of her husband's condition.

Choice C reason: Encouraging the wife to share her feelings is the best action to take first. It shows empathy and respect for her emotional state. It also allows the nurse to assess her coping skills and provide appropriate support.

Choice D reason: Reminding her that her husband may still live a long time is not the best action to take first. It may contradict the medical prognosis and make the wife feel more confused and anxious.

A. "Tell me about the visit with your significant other." B. "Would you like to talk for a little while?" C. "What did you enjoy about your visit tonight?" D. "I can see that you are feeling lonely."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:This directive approach may pressure the client to discuss details they are not ready to share, potentially causing discomfort.

Choice B reason:This open-ended offer demonstrates the nurse's availability and support, allowing the client to decide whether to engage in conversation, thereby respecting their autonomy.

Choice C reason: This is a less therapeutic response as it assumes that the client enjoyed the visit. It may not reflect the client's true feelings or experiences. It also limits the client's expression to positive aspects only.

Choice D reason: This is a non-therapeutic response as it labels the client's emotion without validation. It may not accurately describe the client's feeling or situation. It also closes the communication by making a statement instead of asking a question.

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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

A client's wife has just learned that her husband is terminally ill. She is sitting in the corner of the client's room crying, and says to the nurse, "I feel as if I'm already so alone." Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A female client assigned to a mental health unit visits with her significant other during the evening. After the significant other leaves, the nurse notices that the client is more isolative and refuses to attend the evening group. Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A female client assigned to a mental health unit visits with her significant other during the evening. After the significant other leaves, the nurse notices that the client is more isolative and refuses to attend the evening group. Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?

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