A patient has repeated vomiting, muscle weakness and a serum potassium level of 2.8 mmol/L. Which nursing action is correct?
Correct answer: A. Administer prescribed potassium by slow diluted infusion
- A. Administer prescribed potassium by slow diluted infusion
- B. Give potassium chloride by rapid intravenous push
- C. Restrict all potassium-containing foods and fluids
- D. Place the patient on fluid restriction without monitoring
Explanation
Vomiting can cause potassium loss, and hypokalaemia may produce muscle weakness and dangerous dysrhythmias. Prescribed intravenous potassium must be diluted and infused using a pump, with renal function and cardiac rhythm monitored. Potassium must never be given by intravenous push because it can cause fatal cardiac arrest.
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About Nutrition, Fluids and Electrolytes
Coverage includes nutrients and balanced diets, therapeutic feeding, enteral and parenteral nutrition, intake and output, dehydration, fluid overload and fluid balance calculations. Questions also examine sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride disturbances, their signs and nursing care, while distinguishing enteral feeding through the gastrointestinal tract from parenteral nutrition.
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50 free Nutrition, Fluids and Electrolytes MCQs from Fundamentals of Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
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