The physician prescribes 10 mEq of potassium intravenously for an adult patient with a potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L. How would the nurse plan to administer this drug?
1. In 50 mL of D5W infused over 1 hour using an intravenous pump
2. A rapid IV push because of the dangerously low potassium level
3. Slowly as a bolus IV push over 10 minutes
4. Orally; giving potassium intravenously is too dangerous
Question 2
The nurse assesses a patient whose recent blood gases showed a pH of 7.32. The patient's respirations are 34 per minute. Select the correct analysis of this scenario.
1. The patient's rapid breathing is causing the low pH.
2. The patient's rapid breathing is an attempt to compensate for the low pH.
3. The nurse should supply the patient with a paper bag to rebreathe in order to correct the low pH.
4. The nurse should sedate the patient to slow the respiratory rate.