Question

A nurse plans to call the healthcare provider to report an 0600 serum potassium level of 2 mEq/L or mmol/L (SI), but the charge nurse tells the nurse that the healthcare provider does not like to receive early morning calls and will make rounds later in the morning. What action should the nurse make?

Answer 1

The nurse should follow the charge nurse's instructions and wait for the healthcare provider's rounds, unless it is a medical emergency. They should use their clinical judgment and document their actions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should follow the charge nurse's instructions and wait for the healthcare provider to make rounds later in the morning. However, if the nurse believes that the low potassium level is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention, they should use their clinical judgment and contact the healthcare provider regardless of their preference. The nurse should document their actions and rationale for calling the healthcare provider early.