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 healthcare professional is assisting with the admission of a client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following medications should the healthcare professional expect the provider to prescribe for the client?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine commonly used to manage anxiety and prevent seizures during alcohol withdrawal. Haloperidol (Choice A) is an antipsychotic medication and is not typically used for alcohol withdrawal. Disulfiram (Choice B) is used in the treatment of alcohol use disorder but is not indicated for alcohol withdrawal. Phenobarbital (Choice D) may be used for alcohol withdrawal seizures but is not the first-line medication for managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

3. What are the risk factors for stroke, and how can it be prevented?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. High cholesterol and hypertension are significant risk factors for stroke. Regular exercise is an effective way to prevent stroke by managing these risk factors. Choice B is incorrect as while obesity and smoking are risk factors, preventing stroke through medication and weight loss is not the primary method. Choice C is incorrect as diabetes and alcohol consumption are risk factors, but preventing stroke through regular checkups is not as direct as managing cholesterol and hypertension. Choice D is incorrect as lack of exercise and a poor diet are indeed risk factors, but the prevention of stroke through lifestyle changes needs to specifically address high cholesterol and hypertension.

4. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter is to open the catheterization kit away from the body. This is crucial to maintain the sterility of the kit and the procedure. Using sterile gloves (Choice A) is important, but it is not specific to this step. Lubricating the catheter with water (Choice B) is incorrect as it should be lubricated with a water-soluble lubricant. Inserting the catheter using clean technique (Choice C) is incorrect as indwelling urinary catheter insertion requires sterile technique to prevent infections.

5. A healthcare provider is assessing a client who has received a preoperative dose of morphine. Which of the following findings is the priority to report to the provider?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 90% is below the expected reference range and could indicate respiratory depression, a serious side effect of morphine. This finding requires immediate attention as it may lead to hypoxia. Nausea (choice A) is a common side effect of morphine but does not pose an immediate threat. A urinary output of 20 mL/hr (choice B) may indicate decreased renal perfusion but is not as critical as respiratory compromise. A respiratory rate of 14/min (choice D) is within the normal range and does not suggest immediate danger.

Similar Questions

Which intervention should be included for a client with heart failure?
How should a healthcare professional respond to a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
What is the priority intervention for sepsis?
A client is being cared for by a nurse with dehydration. What is the priority intervention?
How can a healthcare provider prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in post-operative patients?

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