The physician has ordered 50 mEq of potassium chloride for a client with a potassium level of 2.5 mEq. The nurse should administer the medication:
- A. Slow, continuous IV push over 10 minutes
- B. Continuous infusion over 30 minutes
- C. Controlled infusion over 5 hours
- D. Continuous infusion over 24 hours
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Potassium chloride should be administered slowly (e.g., over 5 hours for 50 mEq) to prevent cardiac complications, as rapid infusion can cause hyperkalemia.
You may also like to solve these questions
A client is being treated for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The nurse knows that the involvement of nursing, pharmacy, gastroenterology, and nutritional services is an example of which of the following approaches?
- A. continuity of care
- B. multidisciplinary
- C. managed care
- D. case management
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A multidisciplinary approach involves multiple specialties (nursing, pharmacy, gastroenterology, nutrition) collaborating to manage IBS.
The nurse is assessing a client hospitalized with duodenal ulcer. Which finding should be reported to the doctor immediately?
- A. BP 82/60, pulse 120
- B. Pulse 68, respirations 24
- C. BP 110/88, pulse 56
- D. Pulse 82, respirations 16
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A blood pressure of 82/60 and pulse of 120 indicate possible hypovolemic shock, likely due to gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate reporting.
The doctor has ordered Percocet (oxycodone) for a client following abdominal surgery. The primary objective of nursing care for the client receiving an opiate analgesic is:
- A. Preventing addiction
- B. Alleviating pain
- C. Facilitating mobility
- D. Preventing nausea
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary goal of opiate analgesics like Percocet is to alleviate pain, improving comfort and recovery post-surgery.
A manic client is admitted to an inpatient psychiatric center. He is hyperactive, talking quickly, acting aggressively, and pacing. The nursing staff should
- A. outline realistic expectations for the client's behavior.
- B. ignore the client's behavior.
- C. allow the client to eat lunch with other clients to observe the interaction.
- D. assign an RN to stay with the client at all times.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A manic client’s behavior requires close supervision for safety. Assigning an RN to stay with the client ensures monitoring and intervention as needed.
The physician has ordered intravenous fluid with potassium for a client admitted with gastroenteritis and dehydration. Before adding potassium to the intravenous fluid, the nurse should:
- A. Assess the urinary output
- B. Obtain arterial blood gases
- C. Perform a dextrostick
- D. Obtain a stool culture
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Adequate urinary output (at least 30 mL/hr) must be confirmed before adding potassium to IV fluids to prevent hyperkalemia.
Nokea