A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN): glucose 72 mg/dL, chloride 100 mEq/L. sodium 138 mEq/L. and potassium 3.0 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Rationale: A. Request a potassium replacement: The client's potassium level is 3.0 mEq/L, which indicates hypokalemia (normal range: 3.5–5.0 mEq/L). TPN can cause electrolyte shifts, so potassium supplementation is appropriate and should be initiated to prevent complications like arrhythmias and muscle weakness. B. Administer glucagon IM: This is used to treat severe hypoglycemia. The client’s glucose is 72 mg/dL, which is within the normal range (70–100 mg/dL fasting), so glucagon is not needed. C. Check the client for a positive Chvostek's sign: Chvostek’s sign is associated with hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia, and calcium levels were not mentioned as abnormal here. D. Discontinue the TPN infusion: Discontinuing TPN is not appropriate without a critical reason. Electrolyte imbalances are common during TPN therapy and are typically managed by adjusting the TPN formulation rather than stopping it altogether.