The nurse is caring for a client admitted to an inpatient eating-disorder unit. Exhibits Drag 1 condition and 1 client finding to fill in each blank in the following sentence. The nurse should first address the client'sdropdown followed by dropdown

Rationale for Correct Choices • Potassium level: The client’s potassium of 2.8 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which poses an immediate risk of cardiac dysrhythmias and muscle weakness. Electrolyte stabilization is the nurse’s top priority before addressing psychological or nutritional needs. • Checking an EKG: Because hypokalemia can cause life-threatening arrhythmias, continuous cardiac monitoring or an immediate EKG is necessary to detect changes such as flattened T waves or U waves. This ensures early identification and management of cardiac instability. Rationale for Incorrect Choices • Anxiety: Although the client has generalized anxiety disorder, psychological distress is not immediately life-threatening. Physical stabilization must occur first before focusing on mental health interventions. • Caloric intake: Low BMI and poor intake are concerning, but initiating refeeding before correcting hypokalemia could worsen electrolyte imbalance and precipitate refeeding syndrome. • Body mass index: While a BMI of 15.4 kg/m² confirms severe malnutrition, it is a chronic issue, not an acute emergency. Addressing cardiac and electrolyte stability takes precedence. • Alcohol use: Alcohol consumption increases risk for dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities but is secondary to the urgent hypokalemia-related cardiac risks. • Observing the client during meals: This intervention helps manage disordered eating behaviors but is delayed until the client’s physiologic stability is ensured. • Having the client complete a CAGE questionnaire: Alcohol screening is appropriate later but not during an acute medical stabilization phase. • Assessing the Hamilton Anxiety Scale: Anxiety evaluation is a later priority once physical safety and electrolyte levels are corrected. • Administering liquid supplements: Nutritional supplementation can worsen electrolyte shifts before potassium correction, increasing cardiac risk.