The client's laboratory results indicate that the serum potassium level is 2.5 mEq/L (2.5 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse take? Reference Range: Potassium (K+) [3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)]

Rationale: A. Change the plan of care (POC) to include hourly urinary output measurements: Monitoring urinary output is important for overall fluid balance but does not directly address severe hypokalemia, which requires immediate correction. B. Inform the healthcare provider (HCP) of the need for potassium replacement: A serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L is critically low and places the client at risk for life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Prompt notification allows the provider to prescribe urgent potassium replacement and prevent complications. C. Prepare to administer a glucose, then insulin, then potassium infusion: This sequence is used to treat hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia. Administering insulin in this situation would worsen the potassium deficit. D. Instruct the client to increase daily intake of potassium-rich foods: Dietary modification alone is insufficient for critically low potassium levels. Immediate pharmacologic replacement is necessary to restore safe potassium levels.