Author Question: After teaching a client to increase dietary potassium intake, a nurse assesses the client's ... (Read 134 times)

ts19998 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

After teaching a client to increase dietary potassium intake, a nurse assesses the client's understanding. Which dietary meal selection indicates the client correctly understands the teaching?

a. Toasted English muffin with butter and blueberry jam, and tea with sugar
b. Two scrambled eggs, a slice of white toast, and a half cup of strawberries
c. Sausage, one slice of whole wheat toast, half cup of raisins, and a glass of milk
d. Bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar, a half cup of sliced peaches, and coffee

Question 2

A nurse is assessing a client with hypokalemia, and notes that the client's handgrip strength has diminished since the previous assessment 1 hour ago. Which action should the nurse take first?

a. Assess the client's respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth.
b. Measure the client's pulse and blood pressure.
c. Document findings and monitor the client.
d. Call the health care provider.

aloop · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Meat, dairy products, and dried fruit have high concentrations of potassium. Eggs, breads, cereals, sugar, and some fruits (berries, peaches) are low in potassium. The menu selection of sausage, toast, raisins, and milk has the greatest number of items with higher potassium content.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
In a client with hypokalemia, progressive skeletal muscle weakness is associated with increasing severity of hypokalemia. The most life-threatening complication of hypokalemia is respiratory insufficiency. It is imperative for the nurse to perform a respiratory assessment first to make sure that the client is not in immediate jeopardy. Cardiac dysrhythmias are also associated with hypokalemia. The client's pulse and blood pressure should be assessed after assessing respiratory status. Next, the nurse would call the health care provider to obtain orders for potassium replacement. Documenting findings and continuing to monitor the client should occur during and after potassium replacement therapy.