A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a new prescription for potassium chloride. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Blood pressure 110/70 mm Hg
- B. Heart rate 88/min
- C. Serum potassium 3.2 mEq/L
- D. Sodium 136 mEq/L
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. A serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L is below the normal range, indicating hypokalemia. Before administering potassium chloride, which is used to treat low potassium levels, the nurse should report this finding to the provider for further evaluation and potential adjustment of the treatment plan. Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges and do not directly relate to the need for potassium chloride administration.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse is planning care for a client who is receiving hemodialysis. Which action should the nurse include in the care plan?
- A. Withhold all medications until after dialysis.
- B. Rehydrate with dextrose 5% in water for orthostatic hypotension.
- C. Check the vascular access site for bleeding after dialysis.
- D. Give an antibiotic 30 minutes before dialysis.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action the nurse should include in the care plan for a client receiving hemodialysis is to check the vascular access site for bleeding after dialysis. This is crucial as it helps in detecting and addressing any bleeding complications that may arise from the dialysis procedure. Choice A is incorrect because medications should not be withheld unless specified by the healthcare provider. Choice B is incorrect as dextrose 5% in water is not typically used for orthostatic hypotension. Choice D is incorrect as giving an antibiotic before dialysis is not a routine practice unless specifically prescribed for a particular reason.
A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hr postpartum and is breastfeeding her newborn. The client asks the nurse to warm up seaweed soup that her partner brought for her. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. Does the doctor know you are eating that?
- B. Why are you eating seaweed soup?
- C. Of course, I will heat that up for you.
- D. The hospital food is more nutritious.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Respecting cultural preferences and providing client-centered care promotes trust.
A nurse is caring for a client who has received a new diagnosis of terminal cancer. The client tells the nurse, 'I just want to live long enough to see my child graduate.' The nurse should identify that the client is in which of the following stages of grief?
- A. Denial
- B. Bargaining
- C. Acceptance
- D. Anger
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client expressing a desire to live long enough to see their child graduate is an example of bargaining, which is a stage of grief where individuals attempt to negotiate for more time or different outcomes. Denial refers to refusing to accept the reality of the situation, acceptance involves coming to terms with the diagnosis, and anger is feeling frustrated and upset about the situation. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Bargaining.'
A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following abdominal surgery. The nurse should suspect that the client has developed an infection based on which of the following findings?
- A. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg
- B. Temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F)
- C. Heart rate of 92/min
- D. Drainage at the surgical site
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An elevated temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F) is indicative of infection postoperatively. Fever is a common sign of infection, and temperatures above the normal range should raise suspicion. The other vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate) may be within an acceptable range, and some drainage at the surgical site can be expected postoperatively. However, the elevated temperature is a more specific indicator of a potential infection that requires immediate attention.
A client is being discharged with a new prescription for metoprolol. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Do not discontinue this medication suddenly.
- B. Take this medication in the evening to decrease the risk of falls.
- C. Monitor your heart rate before taking this medication.
- D. Avoid grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed metoprolol is to monitor their heart rate before taking the medication. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate), so it is essential for clients to check their heart rate before each dose. Choice A is incorrect because abruptly stopping metoprolol can lead to adverse effects, so it should not be discontinued suddenly. Choice B is incorrect because there is no specific recommendation to take metoprolol at night to reduce falls. Choice D is incorrect because grapefruit juice can interact with metoprolol, affecting its absorption, and should be avoided.
Nokea