Answer :
Answer:
Option 4, immediately place the client on a cardiac monitor
Explanation:
The patient's serum potassium level is severely elevated at 7 mEq/L; the expected range for the electrolyte potassium is between 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. Some facilities extend this upper limit to 5.3 mEq/L.
Too much potassium, a condition known as hyperkalemia, can cause cardiac dysrhythmias and changes to the electrical activity in the heart. Specifically, the patient's electrocardiogram (ECG) could exhibit peaked T waves. If left untreated, hyperkalemia can impair the conduction of impulses through the heart and lead to cardiac arrest.
Thus, the best action and the nurse's priority intervention is to obtain and immediately the client on a cardiac monitor, option 4, so that the patient's hyperkalemia can be promptly addressed.
The best action by the nurse for a client with a high serum potassium level, an elevated creatinine level, and low urine output is to place the client on a cardiac monitor immediately, due to the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias (option 4).
An elevated serum potassium level of 7 mEq/L is a dangerous condition known as hyperkalemia. Given the accompanying serum creatinine level of 2 mg/dL and low urine output (oliguria) of 300 mL/day, this suggests possible renal impairment. The best immediate action by the nurse would be to place the client on a cardiac monitor because high levels of potassium can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias (option 4).
It would also be important to verify the lab results, as lab error can result in falsely elevated potassium levels. Following stabilization, limiting high-potassium foods and monitoring intake and output would be appropriate as part of the overall management of hyperkalemia and renal function.
