When examining an adult client's preoperative laboratory results, the nurse notes that the potassium level is 2.9 mEq/mL. What is the nurse's priority action?
a. Document the finding.
b. Alter the client's diet to include fruit.
c. Increase the IV flow rate.
d. Notify the surgeon.
D
The normal range for serum potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L or mmol/L. A value of 2.9 represents hypokalemia, which must be corrected before surgery. The surgeon should be notified of this finding. The finding should be documented; however, notifying the surgeon is the priority.
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Which nursing intervention is best individualized to meet the needs of a specific client?
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