ATI Comprehensive Predictor PN Related

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How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with hyperkalemia?

  • A. Monitor ECG and administer insulin
  • B. Monitor blood glucose levels and provide fluids
  • C. Monitor for muscle weakness and administer calcium gluconate
  • D. Monitor electrolyte levels and provide potassium supplements
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Question: When assessing a patient with hyperkalemia, monitoring the ECG and administering insulin are crucial steps. Hyperkalemia can affect the heart's function, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. Monitoring the ECG helps in identifying any cardiac abnormalities associated with high potassium levels. Administering insulin, along with glucose, helps shift potassium from the bloodstream into the cells, temporarily lowering the potassium levels.

Choice B is incorrect because monitoring blood glucose levels and providing fluids are not the primary interventions for hyperkalemia.

Choice C is incorrect as monitoring for muscle weakness and administering calcium gluconate are not the first-line treatments for hyperkalemia. Calcium gluconate may be used in specific situations to stabilize cardiac cell membranes in severe cases of hyperkalemia.

Choice D is incorrect because monitoring electrolyte levels and providing potassium supplements would worsen hyperkalemia, as the patient already has elevated potassium levels and does not require additional potassium supplementation.