Question

the nurse is preparing the 0900 dose of losartan, an angiotensin ii receptor blocker (arb), for a client with hypertension and heart failure. the nurse reviews the client’s laboratory results and notes that the client’s serum potassium level is 5.1 meq/l. which action should the nurse take first?

a notify the healthcare provider.

b repeat the serum potassium level.

c withhold the scheduled dose.

d check the client’s apical pulse.

Explanation:

Losartan (an ARB) can cause hyperkalemia. A serum potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L is elevated (normal range is typically 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L). The first action should be to withhold the scheduled dose of losartan, as administering it could further increase potassium levels and pose a risk to the client. Notifying the provider (A) or repeating the test (B) would come after withholding the dose. Checking the apical pulse (D) is not the priority here as the main concern is hyperkalemia from the medication.

Answer:

C. Withhold the scheduled dose