A client with kidney failure has serum potassium 6.7 mEq/L a… | MyMerci
Illness ManagementPA
Question
A client with kidney failure has serum potassium 6.7 mEq/L and peaked T waves on the ECG. Which prescription should the nurse anticipate as the immediate priority?
1Administer oral potassium supplements.
2Encourage foods high in potassium.
3Administer IV calcium gluconate as prescribed.✓ Correct answer
4Hold all fluids for the next 24 hours.
Explanation
Severe hyperkalemia with ECG changes threatens cardiac conduction. IV calcium gluconate is used to stabilize the myocardium while other therapies shift or remove potassium. Potassium supplements or high-potassium foods would worsen the problem.
In-depth explanation
Clinical Judgment Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Hyperkalemia with ECG changes.
Memory Tip Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.
KR vs US NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.
Clinical scenario
Clinical Practice Guide For Hyperkalemia with ECG changes, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.
Caution Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.
Key concepts
Hyperkalemia — An elevated serum potassium level that can cause dangerous dysrhythmias.
Peaked T Wave — An ECG change associated with elevated potassium.
Calcium Gluconate — A medication used to stabilize cardiac membranes during severe hyperkalemia.