A patient with acute abdominal pain has a serum potassium level of 2 mEq/L. What should the nurse do first?
a. Call the physician STAT.
b. Administer a Kayexalate enema.
c. Document the result on the chart.
d. Notify the physician during morning rounds.
ANS: A
A. A serum potassium level of 2 mEq/L is dangerously low and places the patient at risk for cardiac complications. B. Kayexalate will lower the potassium level further and is inappropriate. C. The result can be documented after the physician is notified STAT. D. Waiting to notify the physician during morning rounds places the patient at risk for a cardiac event.
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