Testavia Free Nursing Practice Question - QA
The client's laboratory results indicate that the serum potassium level is 2.5 mEq/L (2.5 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse take?
Reference Range:
Potassium (K+) [3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)]
A. Prepare to administer a glucose, then insulin, then potassium infusion.
This action is typically used in the treatment of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), not hypokalemia. The combination of glucose and insulin is used to temporarily drive potassium into cells and lower serum potassium levels. For severe hypokalemia, the priority is to administer potassium replacement therapy rather than attempting to lower potassium levels, as the client needs to correct the deficiency.
B. Inform the healthcare provider of the need for potassium replacement.
Severe hypokalemia requires prompt correction to prevent complications. Potassium replacement should be administered according to healthcare provider orders. This may involve oral or intravenous potassium supplements, depending on the severity of the hypokalemia and the client's condition. Informing the healthcare provider is essential for ensuring that appropriate and timely treatment is provided.
C. Instruct the client to Increase dally Intake of potassium rich foods.
While increasing potassium intake through diet is important for managing mild cases of hypokalemia, a serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L is severe and likely requires immediate medical intervention. Dietary changes alone are insufficient and not timely enough to address such a critical deficiency.
D. Change the plan of care to Include hourly urinary output measurements.
Monitoring urinary output is important in managing electrolyte imbalances to assess kidney function and fluid balance, but it is not the primary intervention for severe hypokalemia. The immediate priority is to address the low potassium level through appropriate replacement therapy.
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Full Explanation
A. This action is typically used in the treatment of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), not hypokalemia. The combination of glucose and insulin is used to temporarily drive potassium into cells and lower serum potassium levels. For severe hypokalemia, the priority is to administer potassium replacement therapy rather than attempting to lower potassium levels, as the client needs to correct the deficiency.
B. Severe hypokalemia requires prompt correction to prevent complications. Potassium replacement should be administered according to healthcare provider orders. This may involve oral or intravenous potassium supplements, depending on the severity of the hypokalemia and the client's condition. Informing the healthcare provider is essential for ensuring that appropriate and timely treatment is provided.
C. While increasing potassium intake through diet is important for managing mild cases of hypokalemia, a serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L is severe and likely requires immediate medical intervention. Dietary changes alone are insufficient and not timely enough to address such a critical deficiency.
D. Monitoring urinary output is important in managing electrolyte imbalances to assess kidney function and fluid balance, but it is not the primary intervention for severe hypokalemia. The immediate priority is to address the low potassium level through appropriate replacement therapy.