what is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with hyperkalemia

ATI RN

ATI RN Exit Exam

1. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with hyperkalemia?

A. Administer calcium gluconate
B. Administer insulin
C. Administer sodium bicarbonate
D. Administer a diuretic

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer calcium gluconate. In hyperkalemia, the priority is to protect the heart from potential complications like arrhythmias. Calcium gluconate is the first-line treatment as it stabilizes the cardiac cell membrane. Insulin (Choice B) and sodium bicarbonate (Choice C) can be used in conjunction with other treatments to shift potassium into cells, but calcium gluconate is the priority. Administering a diuretic (Choice D) is not the primary intervention for hyperkalemia and can even worsen the condition by reducing potassium excretion.

2. A healthcare provider is reviewing the medical record of a client who has schizophrenia and is taking clozapine. Which finding should the healthcare provider identify as a contraindication to the administration of clozapine?

A. Heart rate 58/min.
B. Fasting blood glucose 100 mg/dL.
C. Hgb 14 g/dL.
D. WBC count 2,900/mm3.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: a low WBC count. Clozapine can suppress bone marrow function, leading to a decreased white blood cell count. This condition, known as agranulocytosis, increases the risk of severe infections. Monitoring WBC counts is essential during clozapine therapy. Choices A, B, and C are within normal ranges and are not contraindications for administering clozapine.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has a wound infection and is receiving gentamicin. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to detect an adverse effect of this medication?

A. Creatinine.
B. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST).
C. White blood cell count.
D. Serum glucose.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Creatinine. Gentamicin can cause nephrotoxicity, leading to impaired kidney function. Monitoring creatinine levels helps the nurse detect any potential kidney damage. Choice B, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), is not typically affected by gentamicin. Choice C, White blood cell count, is not directly related to gentamicin adverse effects. Choice D, Serum glucose, is not specifically monitored for gentamicin adverse effects.

4. What is the best intervention for a patient experiencing hypoxia?

A. Administer oxygen
B. Reposition the patient
C. Provide humidified air
D. Provide chest physiotherapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best intervention for a patient experiencing hypoxia is to administer oxygen. Oxygen therapy helps improve oxygenation levels in the blood, addressing the underlying cause of hypoxia. Repositioning the patient, providing humidified air, and chest physiotherapy may be beneficial in certain situations but are not the primary interventions for hypoxia. Administering oxygen is crucial to quickly alleviate hypoxia and support the patient's respiratory function.

5. A nurse is assessing a school-age child with a urinary tract infection. What symptom should the nurse expect?

A. Periorbital edema.
B. Decreased frequency of urination.
C. Enuresis.
D. Diarrhea.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Enuresis. Enuresis, which refers to involuntary urination, is a common symptom of urinary tract infections in children. Periorbital edema (choice A) is more commonly associated with conditions like nephrotic syndrome. Decreased frequency of urination (choice B) is not typically seen in urinary tract infections, as these infections often present with increased frequency. Diarrhea (choice D) is not a typical symptom of a urinary tract infection.