Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank Related

Review Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank related questions and content

Nurse Karen is caring for a client with chronic renal failure. Which is a correct intervention for hyperkalemia?

  • A. assess patient for fever and chest pain
  • B. assess patient for muscle weakness, diarrhea and ECG changes
  • C. encourage compliance with fluid restriction
  • D. prepare patient for cardiac ultrasound
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because hyperkalemia presents with symptoms such as muscle weakness, diarrhea, and ECG changes. Muscle weakness is a common sign due to potassium's effect on neuromuscular function. Diarrhea can lead to potassium loss. ECG changes, such as peaked T waves and widened QRS complexes, indicate cardiac involvement. Assessing for these symptoms helps monitor the severity of hyperkalemia and guide treatment. Other choices are incorrect because assessing for fever and chest pain (choice A) are not specific to hyperkalemia. Encouraging fluid restriction (choice C) may not directly address hyperkalemia. Preparing for a cardiac ultrasound (choice D) is not an immediate intervention for hyperkalemia.