HESI 799 RN Exit Exam Related

Review HESI 799 RN Exit Exam related questions and content

A client with 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 to administer intravenous insulin and glucose first. This intervention helps drive potassium back into the cells, lowering serum levels effectively. Administering intravenous calcium gluconate (choice A) is used to stabilize cardiac membranes in severe hyperkalemia but does not address the underlying cause. Administering intravenous sodium bicarbonate (choice C) is used in metabolic acidosis, not hyperkalemia. Administering a loop diuretic (choice D) can help eliminate potassium but is not the first-line treatment for hyperkalemia in CKD.