A client has the following laboratory values: Ca2+ 8.7 mg/dL; K+ 4.2 mEq/L; Na+ 142 mEq/L. Which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. Prepare to administer IV potassium chlo-ride.
b. Ask the lab to redraw and rerun the tests.
c. Document findings and continue to assess.
d. Prepare to administer aluminum hydrox-ide.
D
The client's calcium is low. Treatment for hypocalcemia includes calcium replacement, admi-nistering drugs that increase calcium absorption, and giving medications to control bothersome neuromuscular effects. Aluminum hydroxide helps the body absorb calcium. The client's potas-sium is normal, so giving potassium is not warranted. Asking the laboratory to rerun the tests will not help the client's problem, although if this seems contradictory to the client's condition, it might be an option. Documenting findings and performing ongoing assessments will not help the client's problem.
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