how should a nurse respond to a patient with hypokalemia
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Nursing Elites

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020

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

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. Which term specifically refers to positive actions taken to help others?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'Beneficence.' Beneficence is the ethical principle that involves taking positive actions to help others. Choice B, 'Justice,' pertains to fairness and equity in treatment, not specifically positive actions. Choice C, 'Autonomy,' relates to respecting individuals' rights to make their own decisions, not necessarily taking actions to help others. Choice D, 'Non-maleficence,' focuses on the obligation to avoid causing harm rather than actively helping others.

3. What is the priority nursing action for a dehydrated client who needs fluids?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor electrolyte levels frequently. When a client is dehydrated and needs fluids, it is essential to monitor electrolyte levels to prevent complications such as electrolyte imbalances. Administering antiemetics to prevent vomiting (Choice A) may be necessary but is not the priority when addressing dehydration. Administering oral rehydration solutions (Choice C) can be beneficial, but monitoring electrolyte levels takes precedence to ensure proper hydration. Inserting an NG tube for fluid administration (Choice D) is invasive and not typically the first-line approach for managing dehydration.

4. A nurse is caring for a client with dementia who is at risk of falls. What is the most appropriate intervention?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for a client with dementia at risk of falls is to use a bed exit alarm to notify staff of attempts to leave the bed. This intervention allows for timely assistance and prevents falls. Raising all four side rails (Choice B) can lead to entrapment or agitate the client. Encouraging frequent ambulation with assistance (Choice C) may not be suitable for a client at high risk of falls. Using restraints (Choice D) should be avoided as they can increase agitation, risk of injury, and have ethical implications.

5. What is the nurse's priority when caring for a client with a tracheostomy who is showing signs of respiratory distress?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to suction the tracheostomy. When a client with a tracheostomy is experiencing respiratory distress, the priority intervention is to clear the airway by suctioning the tracheostomy to remove secretions that may be obstructing the air passage. Administering a bronchodilator (Choice A) may be considered if bronchospasm is present, but the immediate focus should be on clearing the airway. Notifying the physician (Choice C) is important but should not delay the immediate intervention of suctioning. Increasing the oxygen flow rate (Choice D) may provide temporary relief, but addressing the root cause of the distress by suctioning is the priority.

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