A newly admitted patient with HHNK has a serum glucose of 850 mg/dL and a potassium level of 3.9 mEq/L. An important nursing consideration that should precede replacement of potassium includes:
1. Assessment of urine output.
2. Assessment of lung sounds.
3. Assessment of dehydration.
4. Calculation of serum osmolarity.
1
Rationale 1: Prior to the administration of potassium the nurse should assess urine output and check the serum creatinine to evaluate renal function. Renal insufficiency and renal failure are common complications of patients with diabetes.
Rationale 2: This assessment does not specifically relate to the assessment preceding replacement of potassium.
Rationale 3: This assessment does not specifically relate to the assessment preceding replacement of potassium.
Rationale 4: This calculation does not specifically relate to the assessment preceding replacement of potassium.
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