A postoperative client enters the postanesthesia care unit and blood studies are done. The client's serum potassium level is 2.9 mEq/L. What will the nurse do next?
a. Institute seizure precautions.
b. Monitor ECG readings.
c. Draw liver enzyme levels.
d. Elevate the head of the bed.
ANS: B
This level of potassium puts the client at risk for cardiac dysrhythmias. The nurse must monitor for cardiac irregularities.
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