HESI Fundamental Practice Exam Related

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The healthcare professional is preparing to administer potassium chloride intravenously to a client with hypokalemia. Which action is most important?

  • A. Monitor the client's respiratory rate
  • B. Check the client's urine output
  • C. Administer the potassium chloride as a rapid IV push
  • D. Dilute the potassium chloride in an appropriate IV solution
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to dilute the potassium chloride in an appropriate IV solution. Potassium chloride should never be administered as a rapid IV push as it can lead to severe complications, including cardiac arrhythmias. Diluting the medication and administering it slowly helps reduce the risk of adverse effects. Monitoring the client's respiratory rate (Choice A) and checking urine output (Choice B) are important aspects of patient assessment but not the most crucial when administering potassium chloride. Administering potassium chloride as a rapid IV push (Choice C) is dangerous and can result in serious harm to the client.