Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

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What is a nursing consideration when administering potassium replacement medication?

Administer on an empty stomach
Give with food or after meals
Use only with intravenous fluids
Crush tablets for easier swallowing

The correct answer is: Give with food or after meals

When administering potassium replacement medication, it is important to give it with food or after meals. This practice helps to minimize gastrointestinal irritation and improve the absorption of potassium. Potassium can sometimes cause stomach discomfort or upset when taken alone, and taking it with food helps to mitigate these potential side effects. Incorporating this medication into the patient's meal time not only aids in comfort but also ensures that the patient has sufficient food in their system to help manage potassium levels effectively. It is vital to maintain proper potassium balance in the body, and consuming the medication with food can assist in achieving this goal in a safe manner. Other options such as administering on an empty stomach or crushing tablets can lead to complications or diminish the effectiveness of the medication. For example, administering potassium on an empty stomach can significantly increase the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort. Therefore, giving potassium replacement medication with food is the recommended nursing consideration.