Ati lpn mental health exam
Ati lpn mental health exam ( 36 Questions)
A nurse is examining the laboratory values for a client on spironolactone and sees that the client's serum potassium level is 6.8 mEq/L. The nurse informs the provider and expects that the provider will give which of the following instructions?
An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test is not directly related to high serum potassium levels and would not be the immediate action in response to hyperkalemia.
Obtaining a 12-lead ECG is a critical step when hyperkalemia is suspected because high potassium levels can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. An ECG can quickly reveal characteristic changes associated with hyperkalemia, allowing for prompt treatment.
Administering potassium gluconate would be contraindicated in a patient with hyperkalemia, as it would further increase the serum potassium levels, potentially leading to severe complications.
Restricting fluid intake is not a standard treatment for hyperkalemia. The management of hyperkalemia may include medications or procedures that promote the excretion of potassium or move potassium from the blood into the cells.
Choice A reason: An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test is not directly related to high serum potassium levels and would not be the immediate action in response to hyperkalemia.
Choice B reason: Obtaining a 12-lead ECG is a critical step when hyperkalemia is suspected because high potassium levels can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. An ECG can quickly reveal characteristic changes associated with hyperkalemia, allowing for prompt treatment.
Choice C reason: Administering potassium gluconate would be contraindicated in a patient with hyperkalemia, as it would further increase the serum potassium levels, potentially leading to severe complications.
Choice D reason: Restricting fluid intake is not a standard treatment for hyperkalemia. The management of hyperkalemia may include medications or procedures that promote the excretion of potassium or move potassium from the blood into the cells.