A nurse is preparing to administer potassium chloride to a client who has a potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?.

Choice A rationale: The client’s potassium level is high (normal range is 3.6 to 5.2 mEq/L123), so the nurse should inform the provider before administering more potassium. Choice B rationale: Holding the medication until the client has his evening meal is not appropriate because the client’s potassium level is already high. Choice C rationale: Giving the medication as prescribed is not appropriate because the client’s potassium level is already high. Choice D rationale: Obtaining a prescription to increase the dosage of the medication is not appropriate because the client’s potassium level is already high.