Final answer:
Essential nursing actions to address potassium imbalance include monitoring for symptoms of hyperkalemia or hypokalemia, encouraging a low-potassium diet, administering potassium supplements cautiously, and increasing fluid intake if appropriate.
The correct answer is optiona) Administer potassium supplements regularly
b) Encourage a low-potassium diet
c) Monitor for signs of hyperkalemia or hypokalemia
d) Increase fluid intake to flush out excess potassium
Step-by-step explanation:
Potassium imbalance can result in serious health issues such as cardiac arrhythmias or paralysis. When addressing potassium imbalance as a nurse, the following actions are essential:
- Monitor for signs of hyperkalemia or hypokalemia: It is crucial to regularly check patients for symptoms of potassium imbalance, which include malaise, muscle weakness, arrhythmias, mental confusion, and in severe cases, paralysis or cardiac arrest.
- Encourage a low-potassium diet: If hyperkalemia is a concern, advising a diet low in potassium can help manage and prevent further elevation of potassium levels.
- Administer potassium supplements carefully: In the case of hypokalemia, potassium supplements can be given to restore normal levels, but this should be done cautiously and under strict medical supervision.
- Increase fluid intake: To help flush out excess potassium, increasing fluid intake can be beneficial; however, this should only be done if appropriate for the patient’s health condition, especially in those with kidney issues.
In any case of potassium imbalance, it is imperative to tailor nursing actions to the individual's specific needs and underlying health conditions, which may include kidney failure, dehydration, or conditions affecting hormone levels.