Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyReduction of Risk Potential

An LPN is preparing to administer morning medications to a client with heart failure. The client's morning laboratory results show a serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L (2.9 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse take first?

  1. A
    Administer the scheduled dose of the daily diuretic.
  2. B
    Assess the client's skin turgor and oral mucous membranes.
  3. Report the potassium level to the charge nurse immediately.Answer
  4. D
    Document the potassium level in the electronic health record.

Answer

The priority action is to immediately report the critical potassium level to the charge nurse or healthcare provider.
The normal serum potassium level is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. A level of 2.9 mEq/L indicates severe hypokalemia, which places the client at high risk for life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Within the practical nursing scope of practice, recognizing a critical laboratory value requires immediate escalation to the registered nurse or healthcare provider to ensure timely intervention and optimal risk reduction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the normal range for serum potassium.
The normal serum potassium reference range is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.
To determine if the client's laboratory value is within safe clinical limits.
2
Analyze the client's laboratory result.
A level of 2.9 mEq/L is significantly below the normal range, indicating severe hypokalemia.
To recognize potential clinical risks, such as life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
3
Determine the priority nursing action based on the LPN scope of practice.
The LPN must prioritize client safety by immediately notifying the supervising RN.
Critical laboratory values represent an immediate physiological risk that requires escalation for timely medical intervention.

Key Concept

Recognition and Escalation of Critical Laboratory Values
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Reduction of Risk Potential

More questions from this topic