how should a nurse respond to a patient with hypokalemia

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020

1. How should a healthcare professional respond to a patient with hypokalemia?

A. Administer potassium supplements and monitor ECG
B. Restrict fluid intake and provide a high-sodium diet
C. Monitor sodium levels and provide insulin therapy
D. Provide calcium supplements and monitor for hyperkalemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hypokalemia is managed by administering potassium supplements to correct the low potassium levels in the body. Monitoring the ECG is essential because low potassium levels can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Choice B is incorrect as restricting fluid intake and providing a high-sodium diet are not appropriate for managing hypokalemia. Choice C is incorrect because hypokalemia involves low potassium levels, not sodium levels, and insulin therapy does not directly address this issue. Choice D is incorrect as calcium supplements are not indicated for hypokalemia, and monitoring for hyperkalemia is not relevant in this case.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Blood glucose level of 120 mg/dL
B. White blood cell count of 8,000/mm³
C. Temperature of 37.2°C (99°F)
D. Daily weight increase of 0.45 kg (1 lb)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A sudden weight increase may indicate fluid retention, a complication of TPN therapy that should be reported. Options A, B, and C are within normal ranges and do not directly relate to TPN therapy complications. A blood glucose level of 120 mg/dL is normal, a white blood cell count of 8,000/mm³ is within the normal range, and a temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) is also normal.

3. What are the key nursing interventions for a patient undergoing dialysis?

A. Monitor fluid balance and administer heparin
B. Monitor blood pressure and prevent clot formation
C. Administer medications and monitor blood chemistry
D. Provide dietary education and encourage protein intake

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor fluid balance and administer heparin. For a patient undergoing dialysis, it is crucial to monitor fluid balance to prevent fluid overload or depletion. Administering heparin helps prevent clot formation during the dialysis process. Option B is incorrect as while monitoring blood pressure is essential, preventing clot formation is more directly related to heparin administration. Option C is incorrect because administering medications and monitoring blood chemistry are not the primary interventions for dialysis. Option D is incorrect as while dietary education and protein intake are important for overall health, they are not the key nursing interventions specifically for a patient undergoing dialysis.

4. What are the nursing interventions for a patient experiencing hypoglycemia?

A. Administer glucose or dextrose and monitor blood sugar levels
B. Monitor vital signs and provide a high-carbohydrate snack
C. Monitor for sweating and confusion
D. Provide insulin and assess for hyperglycemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Administering glucose or dextrose is a crucial nursing intervention for a patient experiencing hypoglycemia as it helps to quickly raise blood sugar levels. Monitoring blood sugar levels is essential to ensure that the patient's glucose levels normalize. Choice B is incorrect because providing a high-carbohydrate snack may not be sufficient to rapidly raise blood sugar levels in severe hypoglycemia. Choice C is incorrect because while monitoring for sweating and confusion is important in hypoglycemia, it is not a direct nursing intervention. Choice D is incorrect as providing insulin would lower blood sugar levels further, worsening hypoglycemia.

5. What is the correct procedure for taking a telephone order from a provider?

A. State patient name, drug, dose, route, frequency, and read back the order
B. State the medication and ask for a witness to listen to the order
C. Write down the order and verify with the provider within 12 hours
D. Have the provider verify the order during the next in-person visit

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct procedure for taking a telephone order from a provider is to state the patient's name, drug, dose, route, frequency, and then read back the order to ensure accuracy. This process helps in preventing errors and ensures that all relevant information is correctly documented. Choice B is incorrect because having a witness listen to the order is not a standard practice and may not guarantee accuracy. Choice C is incorrect as verifying the order within 12 hours may lead to delays in patient care. Choice D is incorrect because waiting for the provider to verify the order during the next in-person visit could result in a significant delay in administering necessary medication.