ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam Related

Review ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam related questions and content

A nurse is preparing to administer potassium chloride (KCL) to a client who is receiving diuretic therapy. The nurse reviews the client's serum potassium level results and discovers the client's potassium level is 3.2 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

  • A. Give the ordered KCL as prescribed.
  • B. Hold the KCL and notify the healthcare provider.
  • C. Administer potassium via IV push.
  • D. Check the client's potassium level again in 1 hour.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Give the ordered KCL as prescribed. The nurse should administer potassium chloride as prescribed because the client's potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Potassium chloride is indicated for clients with hypokalemia (low potassium levels), and the client's level falls within the normal range, so administering the ordered KCL is appropriate. Holding the KCL is unnecessary since the potassium level is not critically low. Administering potassium via IV push is not indicated as the client's potassium level is not critically low. Checking the client's potassium level again in 1 hour is unnecessary as the level is already within the normal range.