a nurse is caring for a client who has hypertension and a potassium level of 68 meql which of the following actions should the nurse take
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment Form B

1. A client has hypertension and a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Obtaining a 12-lead ECG is crucial in this situation to assess cardiac function due to the elevated potassium level. High potassium levels can lead to dangerous arrhythmias, and an ECG helps in detecting any cardiac abnormalities. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Suggesting a salt substitute can further elevate the client's potassium levels. Checking serum sodium levels is not the priority when dealing with high potassium levels. Advising the client to add citrus juices and bananas, which are high in potassium, would worsen the situation.

2. A patient with severe pain and leg swelling is admitted. What should the nurse assess for?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a patient presents with severe pain and leg swelling, the nurse should assess for compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that can develop due to increased pressure within a muscle compartment, leading to compromised circulation and potential tissue damage. It is crucial to identify compartment syndrome promptly as it may require immediate intervention to prevent further complications. Checking for signs of deep vein thrombosis (Choice A) is also important in a patient with leg swelling, but in this scenario, the focus should be on assessing for compartment syndrome due to the severity of the symptoms. Increasing fluid intake (Choice C) may not address the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms. Preparing the patient for surgery (Choice D) without a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis is premature and may not be the appropriate initial intervention.

3. The nurse notes that a healthcare provider has prescribed a higher than normal dose of medication. What action should the nurse take?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a healthcare provider prescribes a dose that is higher than normal, it is crucial for the nurse to contact the provider to clarify the prescription. Administering the prescribed dose without clarification can lead to potential harm to the patient due to the elevated dosage. Asking another nurse to verify the dose may not provide the necessary clarification from the prescriber. Administering only half of the prescribed dose without consulting the healthcare provider is not the appropriate action, as the full rationale behind the higher dose needs to be understood before any administration.

4. The nurse is evaluating a client who had a cardiac catheterization with a left antecubital insertion site. Which of the following pulses should the nurse palpate?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to palpate the radial pulse in the left arm. When the antecubital insertion site is on the left side, it is important to assess the radial pulse on the same side to monitor circulation accurately. Palpating the brachial pulse in the right or left arm or the radial pulse in the right arm would not provide direct information about the circulation related to the catheterization site.

5. A patient is admitted with signs of stroke. Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse anticipate as the priority?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A CT scan is the priority diagnostic test to identify and confirm the location and severity of a stroke.

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