Final answer:
The nurse should ask if the client uses diuretics or laxatives as these can cause hypokalemia. Potassium is essential for heart and muscle function, and managing its levels is critical. Correct treatment requires medical supervision, not just the retrieval of an IV solution by an aide.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most important question for the nurse to ask a client who has a serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L is: "Do you use diuretics or laxatives?" Hypokalemia, which is characterized by a lower-than-normal level of potassium in the bloodstream, can result from excessive use of diuretics or laxatives. These substances can increase potassium excretion through the kidneys or the gastrointestinal tract. Understanding the patient's use of these substances can help in identifying the cause of the hypokalemia and guiding appropriate treatment. Potassium is a critical electrolyte for many bodily functions, including the regulation of heart rhythms and muscle function. Maintaining adequate levels is essential for patient health. A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L is below the normal range, and it is important for nurses and other healthcare providers to understand potential causes and to correct this imbalance promptly to prevent complications. Given that the patient is suffering from hypokalemia, the healthcare provider would not rely on an aide to retrieve an IV solution; instead, proper preparation and administration of IV electrolyte replacement under medical supervision are required to ensure patient safety.