The client's surgery has been delayed because of hyperkalemia. The client doesn't understand why. What is the nurse's best response?
A. "Potassium affects how the heart works and you could have a heart attack if this is not corrected."
B. "Your kidneys could quit working during surgery and the surgery would have to be cancelled."
C. "We want you to have the best recovery after surgery. Sometimes, if this problem is not corrected before surgery, you may be too sleepy after surgery to talk to your family."
D. "By making sure your potassium is normal before surgery, it will keep your heart functioning at its best during your surgery."
D
Hyperkalemia may cause cardiac dysrhythmias, especially during anesthesia. Explaining to the client that correcting this problem helps his heart function at its best is consistent with providing open, honest communication to the client. Telling the client that he may have a heart attack would cause unnecessary anxiety, and may in fact create problems during surgery.
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A patient about to receive a morning dose of digoxin has an apical pulse of 53 beats/min. What will the nurse do next?
a. Administer the dose. b. Administer the dose, and notify the prescriber. c. Check the radial pulse for 1 full minute. d. Withhold the dose, and notify the prescriber.