The Patient's Laboratory Report Today Indicates Severe Hypokalemia, and the Nurse

question 1

Multiple Choice

The patient's laboratory report today indicates severe hypokalemia, and the nurse has notified the physician. Nursing assessment indicates that heart rhythm is regular. What is the most important nursing intervention for this patient now?

• A) Raise bed side rails due to potential decreased level of consciousness and confusion.
• B) Examine sacral area and patient's heels for skin breakdown due to potential edema.
• C) Establish seizure precautions due to potential muscle twitching, cramps, and seizures.
• D) Institute fall precautions due to potential postural hypotension and weak leg muscles.

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Definitions:

Peak

The maximum value or highest point reached by a quantity or phenomenon, such as voltage or current in a circuit.

Skin Effect

The tendency of electrons to move toward the outside of a conductor in an AC circuit.

High-frequency

Refers to electromagnetic waves with frequencies much higher than those audible to humans, often associated with radio frequencies and microwave communications.

In Phase

A condition that occurs when voltage and current reach all peak values at the same time.