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    ATI RN Pharmacology 2023 IV proctored exam

    A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving parenteral nutrition and identifies that the client has hyperkalemia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

    Explanation & Rationale

    A. Warming the PN formula to room temperature is a routine practice to make it more comfortable for administration but does not directly address hyperkalemia.B. Lactose-free formulas may be requested for clients who have lactose intolerance or other specific dietary needs but are not directly related to hyperkalemia.C. IV dextrose (usually in the form of dextrose 5% in water, D5W) can be used to temporarily shift potassium from the extracellular space into the cells, thereby lowering serum potassium levels. Dextrose helps in stimulating insulin release, which facilitates potassium uptake into cells, effectively lowering serum potassium levels. However, it is not the immediate action.D. Hyperkalemia can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias due to its effects on myocardial cell membrane potentials. Therefore, close cardiac monitoring is essential to detect any signs of cardiac instability.

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