A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values for a client who takes spironolactone and notes that the client's serum potassium level is 6.8 mEq/L. The nurse notifies the provider and anticipates that the provider will provide which of the following instructions?

Rationale: A. An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is used to detect inflammation but is not relevant in the immediate management of hyperkalemia. B. Administering potassium would worsen the client's already elevated potassium level. C. Restricting fluids is not an appropriate initial response for hyperkalemia and can increase the risk of complications. D. A potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L is critically high and can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. A 12-lead ECG is essential to assess for cardiac effects of hyperkalemia, such as peaked T waves or widened QRS complexes.