how should a nurse assess a patient with hyperkalemia
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI LPN

ATI Comprehensive Predictor PN

1. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with hyperkalemia?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Question: When assessing a patient with hyperkalemia, monitoring the ECG and administering insulin are crucial steps. Hyperkalemia can affect the heart's function, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. Monitoring the ECG helps in identifying any cardiac abnormalities associated with high potassium levels. Administering insulin, along with glucose, helps shift potassium from the bloodstream into the cells, temporarily lowering the potassium levels. Choice B is incorrect because monitoring blood glucose levels and providing fluids are not the primary interventions for hyperkalemia. Choice C is incorrect as monitoring for muscle weakness and administering calcium gluconate are not the first-line treatments for hyperkalemia. Calcium gluconate may be used in specific situations to stabilize cardiac cell membranes in severe cases of hyperkalemia. Choice D is incorrect because monitoring electrolyte levels and providing potassium supplements would worsen hyperkalemia, as the patient already has elevated potassium levels and does not require additional potassium supplementation.

2. A client with chronic kidney disease needs dietary restrictions. What restriction is necessary?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to limit potassium-rich foods for clients with chronic kidney disease. Excessive potassium can be harmful to individuals with compromised kidney function, leading to complications. This restriction helps in managing the condition and preventing further health issues. Choice A is incorrect because increasing protein intake can put additional stress on the kidneys. Choice C is incorrect as excessive fluid intake can burden the kidneys. Choice D is incorrect as increasing phosphorus intake can be harmful for individuals with kidney disease.

3. A charge nurse is discussing the responsibility of nurses caring for clients who have C. difficile. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because having family members wear a gown and gloves when visiting clients with C. difficile is crucial to prevent the transmission of the infection. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because assigning the client to a room with a negative air-flow system, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and cleaning contaminated surfaces with a phenol solution are not specific measures for preventing the spread of C. difficile.

4. Which assessment finding is expected with myxedema?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Myxedema is characterized by a decreased metabolic rate, leading to manifestations such as decreased temperature. Therefore, the correct assessment finding expected with myxedema is a decreased temperature. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because myxedema typically presents with a decreased pulse rate, not an increased pulse rate, absence of fine tremors (which are more common in hyperthyroidism), and weight gain rather than weight loss.

5. A nurse in a provider's office is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for ferrous sulfate elixir. Which of the following statements by the client should indicate to the nurse an understanding of the teaching?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because rinsing the mouth is essential to prevent staining and irritation caused by ferrous sulfate elixir. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Taking ferrous sulfate elixir before meals (Choice A) is not necessary. Mixing it with water (Choice B) is not recommended as it may alter the medication's effectiveness. Taking the medication once a week (Choice C) is incorrect as ferrous sulfate is usually prescribed daily or as directed by a healthcare provider.

Similar Questions

How should a healthcare professional care for a patient with a colostomy?
What is an appropriate teaching point for a client with left-leg weakness learning to use a cane?
A client receiving chemotherapy has developed stomatitis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?
What is the most important nursing action when administering IV potassium?
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent infection?

Access More Features

ATI LPN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI LPN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses