Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has a potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L. The nurse has been paging the provider for 1 hr to attempt to report potassium level. Which of the following action should the nurse take next?

Option 1:Document the attempts to contact the provider and continue to monitor the client's potassium level.
Option 2:Administer an oral potassium supplement as prescribed by the provider.
Option 3:Notify the charge nurse about the situation and request assistance in reaching the provider.
Option 4:Contact the provider again and emphasize the urgency of the situation, providing additional information about the client's condition.

Answer 1

Contact the provider again and emphasize the urgency of the situation, providing additional information about the client's condition.(Option 4)

Step-by-step explanation:

With a potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L, the client is experiencing hypokalemia, which can lead to severe complications. The nurse's priority is to ensure timely communication with the provider to address this critical situation.

Repeated attempts to reach the provider, emphasizing the urgency, and providing vital details about the client's condition are crucial. Prompt action is necessary to discuss potential interventions, such as potassium replacement therapy, and to prevent further complications associated with low potassium levels.

Documenting attempts and continuously monitoring the client are essential but should not delay urgent communication with the provider.

Notifying the charge nurse (Option 3) may be helpful for support but might cause further delays. Administering a potassium supplement (Option 2) without provider instructions could be dangerous and is not within the nurse's scope without a prescription.