Microbiology · practice question

A 44-year-old client in airborne isolation is being evaluated for nursing care related to bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The nurse reviews this trend: potassium trending from 4.0 to 5.6 mEq/L with muscle weakness. Which interpretation and action are most appropriate?

Multiple choiceEasynclex-rn-bsnnclex-validatednclex-2026microbiology

Ignore the trend because one data point can be explained later.Wait for a critical value or sentinel event before taking any nursing action.Treat a single value without comparing it with baseline, symptoms, or benchmarks.Interpret the trend in context, compare it with baseline or benchmarks, and take the safest indicated action.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer

D. Interpret the trend in context, compare it with baseline or benchmarks, and take the safest indicated action.

Why

Trend questions require comparison with baseline, symptoms, risk, and benchmarks. Safe nursing action begins before a preventable event becomes critical.

Test yourself on Microbiology

A free test with instant, explained results. No account needed.

Start free test

All Microbiology questions →

A 44-year-old client in airborne isolation is being evaluated for nursing care related to bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The nurse reviews this trend: potassium trending from 4.0 to 5.6 mEq/L with muscle weakness. Which interpretation and action are most appropriate?

Correct answer

Why

More Microbiology questions