The nurse is caring for a patient who takes a loop diuretic and supplemental potassium.Follow-up lab results indicate the patient's potassium is 4.8 mEq/L.Which of the following statements by the nurse is best?
A)"You should stop taking your potassium supplement."
B)"The doctor will probably reduce the dose of your diuretic."
C)"It will be important for you to increase the number of bananas you eat."
D)"Your lab values are right where we want them, so keep doing what you're doing."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's potassium level of 4.8 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L), indicating that the current management plan, including the use of a loop diuretic with potassium supplementation, is effective. Therefore, encouraging the patient to continue with the current regimen is appropriate.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Takes a Loop