A nurse reviews the chart of a client who has Crohn's disease and a draining fistula. Which documentation should alert the nurse to urgently contact the provider for additional prescriptions?
a. Serum potassium of 2.6 mEq/L
b. Client ate 20% of breakfast meal
c. White blood cell count of 8200/mm3
d. Client's weight decreased by 3 pounds
ANS: A
Fistulas place the client with Crohn's disease at risk for hypokalemia which can lead to serious dysrhythmias. This potassium level is low and should cause the nurse to intervene. The white blood cell count is normal. The other two findings are abnormal and also warrant intervention, but the potassium level takes priority.
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