A patient is taking spironolactone (Aldactone) to control her hypertension. Her serum potassium level is 6 mEq/L. For this patient, the nurse's priority would be to assess her:
A) Neuromuscular function
B) Bowel sounds
C) Respiratory rate
D) Electrocardiogram (ECG) results
Ans: D
Feedback: Although changes in all these findings are seen in hyperkalemia, ECG changes can indicate potentially lethal arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation. It wouldn't be appropriate to assess the patient's neuromuscular function, bowel sounds, or respiratory rate for effects of hyperkalemia.
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