Fluids and Electrolytes Nursing 62 Questions And Answers

Which serum potassium result best supports the rationale for administering a stat dose of potassium chloride 20 mEq in 250 mL of normal saline over 2 hours? a. 3.1 mEq/L b. 3.9 mEq/L c. 4.6 mEq/L d. 5.3 mEq/L - ️️a. the normal potassium range is 3.5-5. since this medication would increase potassium, we want to pick the one that is less than the normal range You are caring for a patient receiving calcium carbonate for the treatment of osteopenia. Which serum laboratory result would you identify as an adverse effect related to this therapy? a. Sodium falling to 138 mEq/L b. Potassium rising to 4.1 mEq/L c. Magnesium rising to 2.9 mg/dL d. Phosphorus falling to 2.1 mg/dL - ️️d. Calcium has an inverse relationship with phosphorus in the body. When phosphorus levels fall, calcium rises, and vice versa. Normal phosphorus levels are 2.4-4.4 mg/dL. . You are caring for a patient admitted with heart failure. The morning laboratory results reveal a serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. Which classification of medications should you withhold until consulting with the physician? a. Antibiotics b. Loop diuretics c. Bronchodilators d. Antihypertensives - ️️b. Loop diuretics cause the kidneys to excrete sodium and potassium. Thus administration of this type of medication at this time would worsen the hypokalemia, putting the patient at risk for dysrhythmias. Instead, the prescribing physician should be consulted for potassium replacement therapy, and the drug should be withheld until the potassium has returned to normal range.