You are the nurse assigned to care for a child on the pediatric unit. The lab calls with a potassium level of slightly over 5 milliequivalents per liter. This report comes just as you note a widened QRS complex on the electrocardiogram (EKG)
From this information, you realize this: a. child has a slightly elevated potassium level and you should leave the pediatrician a note
b. could lead to cardiac arrest if not treated quickly
c. is a normal lab report and a slight deviation from a normal EKG
d. should be called to the attention of the oncoming nurse at the end-of-shift report
B
Feedback
A Incorrect: The child with a slightly elevated potassium level and a widened QRS complex on the electrocardiogram (EKG) can develop a cardiac arrest. It is not appropriate to leave the pediatrician a note. The physician should be called immediately with these lab results, so intervention can occur.
B Correct: When a child has a potassium level of slightly over 5 milliequivalents per liter and a widened QRS complex on the electrocardiogram (EKG), you realize this could lead to cardiac arrest if not treated quickly. This child has hyperkalemia. An elevated serum potassium level can cause cardiac irritability and ventricular fibrillation. If not treated, this situation will lead to cardiac arrest.
C Incorrect: As a nurse you realize this is not a normal lab report nor a slight deviation from a normal EKG.
D Incorrect: As the nurse you realize this situation should not wait to be\ called to the attention of the oncoming nurse at the end-of-shift report. The physician needs to be contacted immediately.
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