A patient is admitted with acute kidney injury and the following assessment cues: K: 6.9 (3.5-5.0) Cr: 3.2 (0.6-1.2) Urine: 300 mL/24 hrs What priority actions should be anticipated by the nurse? Select all that apply.
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Placing the patient on a cardiac monitor immediately is crucial due to the elevated potassium level (6.9), which can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Continuous cardiac monitoring allows for the early detection and prompt management of any arrhythmias that may occur. Choice B reason: Weighing the patient immediately is important for assessing fluid status and for calculating appropriate medication dosages. In patients with acute kidney injury, monitoring fluid balance is critical to prevent fluid overload and ensure accurate treatment. Choice C reason: Anticipating a fluid bolus is not appropriate for this patient. Fluid overload can exacerbate kidney injury and worsen the patient's condition. Fluid management should be carefully tailored based on the patient's overall clinical status and needs. Choice D reason: Asking to have the laboratory redraw the blood specimen is unnecessary if the initial results are accurate and timely. The focus should be on addressing the critical findings, such as hyperkalemia, rather than retesting. Choice E reason: Anticipating an order for a diuretic might be considered, but it is not the immediate priority. Diuretics may be useful in managing fluid overload but do not directly address the immediate life-threatening hyperkalemia. Choice F reason: Preparing to administer IV insulin and dextrose as ordered is essential for treating hyperkalemia. Insulin helps to shift potassium into cells, thereby lowering the serum potassium level. Dextrose is given concurrently to prevent hypoglycemia caused by insulin administration. Choice G reason: Administering Kayexalate (sodium polystyrene) as ordered is important for removing excess potassium from the body. Kayexalate works by exchanging sodium for potassium in the intestines, promoting the excretion of potassium in the stool.