Warning: foreach() argument must be of type array|object, bool given in /var/www/html/web/app/themes/studypress-core-theme/template-parts/header/mobile-offcanvas.php on line 20

The client admitted with hypokalemia has an order for potassium to be administered orally. Prior to administering the potassium, the nurse should: A. Check the client's creatinine level B. Ask the doctor to order an ECG C. Insert a nasogastric tube D. Acquire milk to give the oral potassium

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: D. Acquire milk to give the oral potassium.

Step by step solution

01

A. Check the client's creatinine level

Creatinine level indicates kidney function, which is relevant because the kidneys are responsible for regulating potassium levels in the body. A high creatinine level may indicate impaired kidney function, which can be dangerous when administering potassium. However, while checking the client's creatinine level is important, it's not the only factor to consider before administering oral potassium.
02

B. Ask the doctor to order an ECG

An electrocardiogram (ECG) measures the heart's electrical activity. While hypokalemia can cause ECG changes and monitoring the heart's electrical activity is important in a patient with electrolyte imbalances, asking the doctor to order an ECG might not be the most immediate action to be taken before administering oral potassium.
03

C. Insert a nasogastric tube

A nasogastric tube is used to deliver medication and nutrition directly to the stomach via the nasal cavity. There is no indication that the patient in this scenario has difficulty swallowing or any other condition that would make oral administration unsafe or impossible. Therefore, inserting a nasogastric tube is not the most appropriate action to take before administering oral potassium.
04

D. Acquire milk to give the oral potassium

Potassium supplements can cause gastrointestinal irritation, and giving oral potassium with milk can help to minimize this irritation. Milk, being a dairy product, also contains some potassium that could help to supplement the patient's potassium intake. Considering the possible gastrointestinal discomfort and the need to increase the patient's potassium intake, acquiring milk to give with the oral potassium is the most appropriate immediate action for the nurse to take before administering the supplement. Based on the analysis, the correct answer is: D. Acquire milk to give the oral potassium.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

The client returns to the intensive care unit following a coronary artery bypass graft. The nurse notes that the client is suddenly experiencing shortness of breath with muffled heart sounds. The blood pressure is \(90 / 40\), and the pulse rate is 110 beats per minute. Which action is most appropriate initially? A. Check the mediastinal tube for drainage B. Recheck the vital signs C. Administer pain medication D. Decrease the intravenous flow rate

The client is admitted with possible thrombophlebitis. Which action should be priority? A. Ask the client to remain in bed B. Assess using Homan's sign C. Schedule the client for a Doppler study D. Apply a moist heating pad to the extremity

The client with myxedema is being treated with synthetic thyroid medication. Which instruction should be given to the client taking thyroid medication? A. Take the medication with orange juice to increase medication's strength. B. For best absorption, take the medication prior to bedtime. C. Check your pulse rate prior to taking the medication. D. Have your triglycerides checked every six months while taking the medication.

The client is admiitted to the emergency room with a blood glucose level of \(35 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dl}\). The nurse should anticipate an order for which medication? A. Acarbose (Precose) B. Glyburide (Diabeta) C. Rosiglitazone (Avandia) D. Glucagon (GlucaGen)

The client’s magnesium level is checked every six hours during magnesium sulfate therapy. If the client’s magnesium level is 7.0 mg/dL, the nurse should: ? A. Obtain another magnesium level immediately ? B. Chart the finding ? C. Call the doctor ? D. Administer calcium gluconate

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free