The nurse is caring for a client who lives alone and was found to be confused and disoriented
The client has been taking medications improperly, and has elevated calcium levels from taking too many calcium supplements; elevated sodium and chloride levels from missing dosages of diuretics and excessive salt intake; and an elevated potassium level secondary to taking potassium supplements improperly. Which electrolyte imbalance is of greatest importance to correct? 1. Sodium
2. Chloride
3. Calcium
4. Potassium
4
Rationale: While any electrolyte imbalance is serious and must be addressed, elevated potassium is of highest priority because it can cause cardiac rhythm anomalies, resulting in death, and must be quickly corrected. Elevated sodium, chloride, and calcium levels must be addressed, and can have serious consequences, but are not likely to be as serious as the elevated potassium.
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