Question

A 69-year-old male with a history of coronary artery bypass graft surgery and congestive heart failure is admitted to the telemetry unit with severe diarrhea. On admission his serum potassium level is low and he is dehydrated. He is currently taking diuretics. How should the nurse expect to treat the patient’s hypokalemia and dehydration? What signs and symptoms need to be monitored to assess for fluid overload in this patient?

Answer 1

To treat hypokalemia and dehydration, the patient will receive IV fluids with potassium like 0.5% KCl. Due to the risk of fluid overload, particularly because of his coronary artery bypass graft surgery and heart failure, the patient will be closely monitored for signs such as edema, increased blood pressure, and respiratory distress.

Step-by-step explanation:

To treat the patient’s hypokalemia and dehydration, the nurse can expect the physician to prescribe an intravenous (IV) fluid that contains potassium, such as 0.5% KCl. This will help to replenish the patient's low potassium levels while also addressing the dehydration. Due to his history of coronary artery bypass graft surgery and congestive heart failure, the patient should be closely monitored when administering fluids to prevent fluid overload.

Signs and symptoms that need to be monitored to assess for fluid overload include increased blood pressure, swelling or edema, weight gain, shortness of breath, and potentially life-threatening pulmonary edema. These symptoms can arise when the circulatory system is overwhelmed with fluid, which can be especially risky in patients with compromised heart function.