ATI RN Exit Exam Related

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What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with hyperkalemia?

  • A. Administer calcium gluconate
  • B. Administer insulin
  • C. Administer sodium bicarbonate
  • D. Administer a diuretic
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer calcium gluconate. In hyperkalemia, the priority is to protect the heart from potential complications like arrhythmias. Calcium gluconate is the first-line treatment as it stabilizes the cardiac cell membrane. Insulin (Choice B) and sodium bicarbonate (Choice C) can be used in conjunction with other treatments to shift potassium into cells, but calcium gluconate is the priority. Administering a diuretic (Choice D) is not the primary intervention for hyperkalemia and can even worsen the condition by reducing potassium excretion.