A patient is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis ( DKA ) and has a serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. Which action prescribed by the health care provider should the nurse take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia can lead to potentially fatal dysrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, which would be detected with ECG monitoring. Since potassium must be infused over at least 1 hour, the nurse should initiate cardiac monitoring before infusion of potassium. Insulin should not be administered without cardiac monitoring, since insulin infusion will further decrease potassium levels. Urine glucose and ketone levels are not urgently needed to manage the patient's care.

A Patient Is Admitted with Diabetic Ketoacidosis ( DKA )