HESI 799 RN Exit Exam Related

Review HESI 799 RN Exit Exam related questions and content

A client with a history of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is admitted with hyperkalemia. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

  • A. Administer intravenous calcium gluconate.
  • B. Administer intravenous insulin and glucose.
  • C. Administer intravenous sodium bicarbonate.
  • D. Administer a loop diuretic as prescribed.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer intravenous insulin and glucose. In the presence of hyperkalemia, the priority intervention is to shift potassium back into the cells to lower serum levels. Insulin, in combination with glucose, helps drive potassium intracellularly. Administering calcium gluconate (choice A) is used to stabilize myocardial cell membranes but does not address the underlying cause of hyperkalemia. Administering sodium bicarbonate (choice C) is not the initial treatment for hyperkalemia. Loop diuretics (choice D) may be used later to enhance potassium excretion but are not the primary intervention for acute hyperkalemia.