A home health LPN visits a 34-year-old man with newly diagnosed hypertension who started a daily ACE inhibitor 10 days ago. He denies symptoms today. A point-of-care fingerstick potassium panel obtained per the home health protocol shows a level of 6.3 mEq/L (reference 3.5-5.0 mEq/L). His blood pressure is 132/78 mmHg and heart rate is 78 beats/min and regular. Which action should the nurse take first?
- Report the critical potassium value to the RN or prescriber promptly and document the finding
- Proceed with the planned teaching session since the client has no symptoms of hyperkalemia
- Chart the elevated potassium in the visit note and continue with the rest of the scheduled care, without notifying the RN or prescriber
- Advise the client to skip his next ACE inhibitor dose and recheck his potassium in one week