Pathophysiology · practice question

A 68-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to inflammation and cellular injury. 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-2026pathophysiology

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

Answer and explanation

Correct answer

A. 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.

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A 68-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to inflammation and cellular injury. 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

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