The client who has undergone coronary artery bypass surgery graft (CABG) has a serum potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L. What would be the nurse's best action?
A. Notify the physician.
B. Document the finding as the only action.
C. Decrease the IV solution flow rate.
D. Administer potassium replacement as ordered.
B
The client who is postoperative from a CABG is at risk of hypokalemia from hemodilution, na-sogastric suction, or diuretic therapy. Therefore, the potassium level is maintained between 4 and 5 mEq/L to avoid dysrhythmias. This value is at the desired level for this client, and the finding requires documentation only.
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