A patient who is being treated for dehydration is receiving 5% dextrose and 0.45% normal saline with 20 mEq/L potassium chloride at a rate of 125 mL/hour.The nurse assuming care for the patient reviews the patient's serum electrolytes and notes a serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L and a serum potassium level of 3.6 mEq/L.The patient had a urine output of 250 mL during the last 12-hour shift.Which action will the nurse take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's potassium level is within normal limits,but the urine output is decreased,so the patient should not be receiving IV potassium.The nurse should stop the IV and report the findings to the provider.The patient does not need an increase in potassium.The patient needs more fluids but not with potassium.

A Patient Who Is Being Treated for Dehydration Is Receiving