A client is prescribed potassium chloride 20 mEq orally twice daily for hypokalemia. Before administering the medication, which lab result is most important to review?
Blood pressure reading
Blood glucose level
Serum potassium level
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels
It is critical to assess the client’s current serum potassium level before administering potassium chloride. This ensures that the client's potassium is still below the normal range and avoids the risk of hyperkalemia, which can cause serious complications such as arrhythmias. Although renal function (BUN/creatinine) impacts potassium excretion and blood pressure is important for monitoring during therapy, these are secondary to the need to confirm serum potassium levels prior to administration. Blood glucose is unrelated to potassium chloride administration.
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
All Nursing and Medical Assistants Package plans include the following perks and exams .
Our pricing is simple. Full access to all certifications and exams in each package, for one price.
As many practice tests for as many topics as you want.
Use study mode non-stop, no limits.
Access to our AI assistant, Bash, trained to help you pass your exam.
Track your scores over time in study mode and report cards.
See how you improve over time, and where you need to focus.
All Nursing and Medical Assistants Package plans include unlimited access to the following study materials.
Create an account or sign in to access our study materials.