Question

A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client with acute heart failure. Which laboratory value is most important for the nurse to check before administering medications to treat heart failure?

A) White blood cell (WBC) count
B) Potassium
C) Platelet count
D) Calcium

Answer 1

Before administering heart failure medications, it is crucial for a nurse to check the patient's potassium levels as they have a direct impact on heart function and can be affected by heart failure treatments.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the case of a client with acute heart failure in the emergency department, the most important laboratory value for a nurse to check before administering heart failure medications is potassium. Potassium levels are critical in heart function, and both high levels (hyperkalemia) and low levels (hypokalemia) can have serious cardiac effects. Many heart failure medications, including diuretics and ACE inhibitors, can affect potassium levels, making monitoring potassium levels essential to prevent cardiac complications.