A client with hyperkalemia is admitted to the telemetry unit. Which of the following would require notification of the health care provider? Select all that apply.
The client has a heart rate of 53 beats per minute.
The client has a heart rate of 84 beats per minute.
The client does not eat the cantaloupe on his meal tray.
The client’s urinary output is 30 cc per hour via urinary catheterization.
Numbers 1 and 2 are correct.
Spiked T waves are an abnormal finding. Left untreated, complete heart block or asystole can occur. Cardiovascular changes are the most serious problem in hyperkalemia. A heart rate less than 60 beats per minute is an abnormal finding and may cause cardiac compromise. The normal resting adult heart rate is 60 – 100 beats per minute. Cantaloupe is high in potassium and should not be eaten by this client. Normal urine output is 30 cc per hour.
