a patients serum potassium level is 22 meql which nursing action is the highest priority for this patient
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HESI LPN

HESI Leadership and Management Quizlet

1. A patient's serum potassium level is 2.2 mEq/L. Which nursing action is the highest priority for this patient?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to initiate cardiac monitoring. Severe hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, making cardiac monitoring the priority to detect and manage any cardiac complications. Starting oxygen, seizure precautions, or bed rest are not the immediate priority actions for severe hypokalemia.

2. What is the most common cause of HHNS?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Undiagnosed, untreated diabetes mellitus. Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS) is most commonly caused by undiagnosed and untreated diabetes mellitus. Insulin overdose (Choice A) is not a typical cause of HHNS; it is more related to hypoglycemia. Removal of the adrenal gland (Choice B) can lead to adrenal insufficiency but is not a common cause of HHNS. Undiagnosed, untreated hyperpituitarism (Choice C) is not a usual cause of HHNS; it is more related to pituitary hormone imbalances rather than hyperglycemia.

3. Which technique or method is used to determine whether or not the patient has an irregular pulse?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An apical pulse check is used to determine if the patient has an irregular pulse. The apical pulse is located at the point of maximal impulse (PMI) and is assessed using a stethoscope. Choice B, inspection, involves visual examination and is not used to assess pulse irregularities. Choice C, auscultation, involves listening to internal sounds using a stethoscope, which can be used to assess heart sounds but not specifically for pulse irregularities. Choice D, percussion, is a technique used to assess the density of body tissues or detect abnormal masses and is not used to determine pulse irregularities.

4. Rotating injection sites when administering insulin prevents which of the following complications?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rotating injection sites when administering insulin helps prevent insulin lipodystrophy, which is the abnormal distribution of fat at injection sites. Insulin edema (choice A) is not prevented by rotating injection sites; it is characterized by swelling at the site of insulin injection due to increased capillary permeability. Insulin resistance (choice C) is a condition where the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, and rotating injection sites does not directly prevent this. Systemic allergic reactions (choice D) are not specifically prevented by rotating injection sites; they are related to an allergic response to insulin.

5. Which of the following is a nursing issue of concern today?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Safe staffing. Safe staffing is a critical issue in nursing today due to its impact on patient outcomes and nurse well-being. While low workloads (choice B) may seem beneficial, they can also indicate understaffing, leading to burnout and compromising patient care. Increasing professional autonomy (choice C) is generally viewed positively as it empowers nurses, and improving salaries (choice D) is important but may not directly address patient safety concerns related to staffing levels.

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