Exam 1 WITH COMPLETE ANSWERS 2025 TO 2026
● IV potassium chloride (KCl) 60 mEq is prescribed for treatment of a
patient with severe hypokalemia. Which action should the nurse
take?
a.Administer the KCl as a rapid IV bolus
b. Infuse the KCl at a rate of 10 mEq/hour.
c. Only give the KCl through a central venous line.
d. Discontinue cardiac monitoring during the infusion
Rationale: IV KCl is administered at a maximal rate of 10 mEq/hr.
Rapid IV infusion of KCl can cause cardiac arrest. KCl can cause
inflammation of peripheral veins, but it can be administered by this
route. Cardiac monitoring should be continued while patient is
receiving potassium because of the risk for dysrhythmias.
Review: Treatment for potassium imbalance
● A postoperative patient who had surgery for a perforated gastric
ulcer has been receiving nasogastric suction for 3 days. The patient
now has a serum sodium level of 127 mEq/L (127 mmol/L). Which
prescribed therapy should the nurse question?
a. Infuse 5% dextrose in water at 125 mL/hr.
b.Administer 3% saline at 50 mL/hr for a total of 200 mL.
c.Administer IV morphine sulfate 4 mg every 2 hours PRN.
d. Give IV metoclopramide (Reglan) 10 mg every 6 hours PRN for
nausea.
Rationale: Because the patient's gastric suction has been
depleting electrolytes, the IV solution should include electrolyte
replacement. Solutions such as lactated Ringer's solution would
usually be ordered for this patient. The other orders are appropriate
for a postoperative patient with gastric suction.
Review: Treatment for sodium imbalance