When using 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?
Compare muscle strength bilaterally.
Determine apical pulse rate and rhythm.
Measure color and amount of urine.
Assess strength of deep tendon reflexes.
The Correct Answer is B
Hyperkalemia is a condition where there is an elevated level of potassium in the blood.
It can occur in patients with renal disease due to the kidneys’ reduced ability to excrete potassium.
Treatment-related side effects, such as certain medications or chemotherapy, can also contribute to hyperkalemia by altering potassium levels in the body1.
Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac conduction disturbances2.
Therefore, it is important for the nurse to determine the apical pulse rate and rhythm.
Choice A is not correct because comparing muscle strength bilaterally is not the most important intervention for a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L).
Choice C is not correct because measuring color and amount of urine is not the most important intervention for a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L).
Choice D is not correct because assessing strength of deep tendon reflexes is not the most important intervention for a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L).
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Placing food on the unaffected side of the mouth is appropriate for a client who has had a CVA and may have unilateral weakness. This technique helps the client chew and swallow effectively, reducing the risk of aspiration.
B. Raising the head of the bed to 80 degrees is too high and can increase the risk of choking or aspiration by making it harder for the client to control the food bolus during swallowing. A more appropriate position is raising the head of the bed to 45–60 degrees, which facilitates safe swallowing while maintaining comfort. This action requires additional teaching.
C. Positioning the head with the chin tilted slightly downward, known as the chin-tuck position, is a recommended strategy to prevent aspiration. This position helps close the airway during swallowing, reducing the risk of food or liquid entering the trachea.
D. Allowing 30 minutes of rest before feeding is appropriate because it ensures the client is not fatigued, which can compromise swallowing ability and increase the risk of aspiration.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The best way to evaluate the client’s understanding of self-care at home is to have the client demonstrate prescribed wound care.
This allows the nurse to directly observe the client’s ability to perform the necessary tasks and provide feedback and clarification as needed.
Choice B, providing written instructions in the client’s native language, may be helpful but does not allow the nurse to directly evaluate the client’s understanding.
Choice C, asking the client if he/she understands after each instruction, may not be effective if the client is not comfortable expressing confusion or misunderstanding.
Choice D, having an interpreter repeat the wound care instructions, may be helpful but still does not allow for direct observation of the client’s ability to perform the necessary tasks.
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