The physician orders 10 units of regular insulin IV and 50 ml of dextrose 50%, STAT. Which of the following is the physician most likely attempting to correct?

Explanation

•Hyperkalemia can be effectively treated by administering insulin and dextrose 50%.

•Insulin will shift potassium from the extracellular space to the intracellular space, and dextrose 50% will prevent the patient from becoming hypoglycemic.

•Incorrect: Hypokalemia is treated with potassium administration.

•Incorrect: Hyperglycemia is treated with insulin without additional sugar.

•Incorrect: Hyponatremia is treated based on the underlying cause.

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