HESI Leadership RN Samuel Merit Related

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A male college student is brought to an emergency clinic by his friends because they report that he has been vomiting for the past two days as a result of food poisoning. Laboratory findings indicate that the client's potassium level is 2.5 mEq/L (2.5 mmol/L), so he is admitted to a local hospital. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client's plan of care?

  • A. Monitor client's electrocardiogram continuously.
  • B. Inject prescribed potassium chloride IV push slowly.
  • C. Assess level of consciousness every 4 hours.
  • D. Instruct client on dietary intake of potassium-rich foods.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Continuous ECG monitoring is critical due to hypokalemia's risk of causing life-threatening arrhythmias.