A nurse cares for a client who has a serum potassium of 7.5 mEq/L and is exhibiting cardiovascular changes.Which prescription should the nurse implement first?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A client with a high serum potassium level and cardiac changes should be treated immediately to reduce the extracellular potassium level.Potassium movement into the cells is enhanced by insulin by increasing the activity of sodium-potassium pumps.Insulin will decrease both serum potassium and glucose levels and therefore should be administered with dextrose to prevent hypoglycemia.Kayexalate may be ordered,but this therapy may take hours to reduce potassium levels.Dialysis may also be needed,but this treatment will take much longer to implement and is not the first prescription the nurse should implement.Decreasing potassium intake may help prevent hyperkalemia in the future but will not decrease the client's current potassium level.

A Nurse Cares for a Client Who Has a Serum