The healthcare provider prescribes a 5% dextrose injection with 20 units of regular insulin for a client with a serum potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L (6.0 mmol/L) and glucose level of 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L). Which evaluation is most important for the nurse to include in this client's plan of care? Reference Range: Potassium [3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)] Glucose [74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]

Choice A reason: While obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram is important for monitoring cardiac function, it is not as frequent or specific as potassium monitoring for hyperkalemia management. Choice B reason: Evaluating glucose levels is necessary due to the risk of hypoglycemia from insulin administration, but the priority is monitoring potassium levels in hyperkalemia. Choice C reason: Monitoring intake and output is part of fluid balance management but is secondary to the critical need to monitor serum potassium levels. Choice D reason: Frequent assessment of serum potassium levels is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the dextrose and insulin therapy in lowering potassium levels.