Question

A client who has been NPO for 3 days is receiving an infusion of D5W 0.45 normal saline (NS) with potassium chloride (KCl) 20 mEq at 83 ml/hour. The client's eight-hour urine output is 400 ml, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is 15 mg/dl, lungs are clear bilaterally, serum glucose is 120 mg/dl, and the serum potassium is 3.7 mEq/L. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?

Answer 1

The nurse should closely monitor the client's serum potassium levels as they are receiving an infusion of D5W 0.45NS with KCl. Other important parameters to monitor include urine output, BUN, and serum glucose levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the information provided, the nurse should closely monitor the client's serum potassium levels. D5W 0.45NS with KCl is an intravenous solution containing both fluids and potassium chloride. The client's serum potassium level is currently within the normal range, but since they have been NPO for 3 days, there may be a risk of hypokalemia (low potassium levels). The nurse should monitor the client's urine output, BUN, and serum glucose levels as well, but the most important action would be to monitor the client's serum potassium levels.