[jnette]

Yes, it WAS great dialogue, and I, too, hope to see more of this kind on here, as we all have much to learn from one another.

I think much of my support of the voiding concept is due to my background in dialysis as well as still being pretty much a new grad, and remember well the constant impressing on my memory the importance of renal function and/or ability to void before adding K+... also remember quizzes and even NCLEX having a question on this subject.

Not to minimize the importance of the cardiac issues by ANY means, but the simple manner in which this question was phrased, and getting that "which one FIRST" feeling from the question, just led me to to believe this was the answer they were looking for.

Loved hearing all the responses and the critical thinking in progress here ! Good work !

[jerseyRN]

Quit playing like a mean old nursing instructor standing in front of the class with her arms crossed. What's the answer?

[Brownms46]

[wiseRN]

MAJOR SORRY!

I did not get the JOB that I took the test with, I gotta another contract with a different agency. i have not had the chance to get back with the testing agency as yet and since my other job was not on the line i sorta let the question go. I am now writing myself a note so i will remember to call them as soon as I arrive home 4: 30p tommorrow. If I do not call right away it will be too
late for another day. please be and thank you for being Patient.
wiseRN

[nurse62]

Since the question reads as follows "which of the following SIGNS would be crticial for the nurse to assess" I will have to go with C. Ability to void.
What is the correct answer.

[Chrislynn2003]

I just passed NCLEX, so in my mind I would think baseline EKG, due to cardiac arrythmias that can occur with hyperkalemia.

[SteelTownRN]

C is the answer, at least from my practice and MD orders that routinely read "add X amount of KCL to IV bag after pt voids".

Shame on me for not knowing a rationale off the top of my head, but c is the answer.

STG (going to look up the rationale now...)

[Alice1000]

rule of thumb: No "P" no "K"

[cannoli]

This was a peds question, but if it's no "P" no "K" (love it), then it must pertain to all patients, n'ces pas?

[Todd SPN]

I just looked this up in the drug guide. Nowhere do I see anything stating pt must void, but I do see numerous references to watching for ECG changes. But, to be fair, it says nothing about acquiring a base ECG. So I'm sticking with B.

I suggest we bombard wiseRN with PMs if she does not give us the answer soon.