A client has a serum potassium level of 6.5 mmol/L, a serum creatinine level of 2 mg/dL, and a urine output of 350 mL/day. What is the best action by the nurse?
a. Place the client on a cardiac monitor immediately.
b. Teach the client to limit high-potassium foods.
c. Continue to monitor the client's intake and output.
d. Ask to have the laboratory redraw the blood specimen.
ANS: A
The priority action by the nurse should be to check the cardiac status with a monitor. High potassium levels can lead to dysrhythmias. The other choices are logical nursing interventions for acute kidney injury but not the best immediate action.
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