A charge nurse is providing an in-service to a group of nurses about hypomagnesemia. Which of the following should the charge nurse include as risk factors for this condition? (Select all that apply.)

A. Hyperventilation: Hyperventilation is more commonly associated with respiratory alkalosis or anxiety rather than hypokalemia. Hypokalemia does not typically cause hyperventilation.

B. Bradypnea: Bradypnea (slow breathing) is not a common finding in hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can affect muscle function, including respiratory muscles, but bradypnea is not a characteristic sign.

C. Syncope: While syncope (fainting) can occur due to various conditions, it is not a specific or common finding directly associated with hypokalemia. Hypokalemia mainly affects the heart and muscles.

D. U waves on electrocardiogram: U waves are a classic electrocardiogram (ECG) finding associated with hypokalemia. These waves appear after the T wave and are indicative of the electrolyte imbalance affecting cardiac repolarization.

A. Repeat blood serum potassium: While it’s important to monitor potassium levels, the immediate priority when preparing to administer potassium is ensuring safe administration practices, not rechecking levels before initiating therapy.

B. Educate client regarding high-potassium food sources: Client education is important for long-term management but is not a priority when preparing for intravenous potassium replacement in an acute setting.

C. Cardiac monitoring during infusion: Potassium affects cardiac conduction, and rapid correction can lead to arrhythmias. Continuous cardiac monitoring is necessary to detect any life-threatening arrhythmias during the infusion.

D. Ensure that the client's urine output is at least 1 mL/kg/hour: Adequate urine output ensures that the kidneys are functioning and capable of excreting excess potassium, reducing the risk of hyperkalemia.

E. Ensure potassium infusion is prepared with 5% dextrose solution: Potassium should not be mixed with dextrose, as it can increase insulin release, causing potassium to shift into cells and worsen hypokalemia.