A client has renal failure. Today's lab values indicate he has an elevated serum potassium. What additional priority information does the nurse need to obtain?

Question

Options

• AEvaluation of his level of consciousness
• BEvaluation of an electrocardiogram
• CMeasurement of his urine output for the past 8 hours
• DSerum potassium lab values for the last several days

• A
  6% (2)
• B
  55% (18)
• C
  12% (4)
• D
  27% (9)

Explanation

(A) The level of consciousness is not affected by elevated potassium levels. (B) An electrocardiogram (EKG) can tell the nurse whether this client is experiencing any cardiac dysfunction or arrhythmias related to the elevated potassium level. (C) Measurement of the urine output is not a priority nursing action at this time. (D) The client's serum potassium values for the past several days may provide information about his renal function, but they are not a priority at this time.

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