Question

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory data for a young client in acute kidney failure and notes an elevated serum potassium level. what is the priority assessment action for the nurse based on the laboratory data?

Answer 1

The nurse should check for abnormal cardiac rhythm using ECG

Elevated serum potassium level is called hyperkalemia. In this condition, the heart rhythm can be disrupted, resulting in an arrhythmia. arrhythmia condition can be dangerous as the heart is not pumping in a coordinated way, lowering the pump efficiency and have a high risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
That is why hyperkalemia condition is dangerous and need to be monitored.