On assessing the laboratory data of an older adult patient, the nurse notes the serum potassium level is 5.3 mEq/L. Based on this information, the nurse
a. asks if the patient has been using a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID).
b. determines if the patient is receiving a di-uretic that promotes potassium loss.
c. suggests several potassium-rich foods to supplement dietary potassium intake.
d. monitors the patient's urinary output for possible fluid retention.
A
A potassium level of 5.3 mEq/L is high. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen interfere with potassium ex-cretion. The other answers are not related to hyperkalemia.
You might also like to view...
During which of the following developmental stages does a person tend to need the most hours of sleep?
a. Toddler b. Adolescence c. Middle adulthood d. Older adulthood
A patient is undergoing diagnostic testing to determine the etiology of recent joint pain. The patient asks the nurse about the difference between osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). What is the best response by the nurse?
A) "OA is a considered a noninflammatory joint disease. RA is characterized by inflamed, swollen joints." B) "OA and RA are very similar. OA affects the smaller joints such as the fingers, and RA affects the larger, weight-bearing joints like the knees." C) "OA originates with an infection. RA is a result of your body's cells attacking one another." D) "OA is associated with impaired immune function; RA is a consequence of physical damage."
A client develops cardiogenic pulmonary edema and is extremely apprehensive. What medication can the nurse administer with physician orders that will relieve anxiety and slow respiratory rate?
A) Furosemide (Lasix) B) Nitroglycerin C) Dopamine (Intropin) D) Morphine sulfate
Which clinical manifestations would suggest hydrocephalus in a neonate?
a. Bulging fontanel and dilated scalp veins b. Closed fontanel and high-pitched cry c. Constant low-pitched cry and restlessness d. Depressed fontanel and decreased blood pressure