A client with a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus presents to the clinic with complaints of fatigue, difficulty breathing, and frequent urination at night. Which risk factor is most likely contributing to the client's symptoms?

A) This choice is incorrect because hemoptysis refers to coughing up blood from the respiratory tract, which is not described by the client.

B) This choice is incorrect because dyspnea refers to difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, not a dry, persistent cough.

C) This choice is incorrect because paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is characterized by sudden breathlessness that awakens the client from sleep, not a dry cough.

D) This choice is correct. Cardiac asthma is a form of wheezing or coughing that occurs as a result of fluid accumulation in the lungs due to congestive heart failure. It is not caused by asthma but is a manifestation of heart failure impacting the respiratory system.

Questions

A) This choice is incorrect because loop diuretics can lead to increased sodium excretion, potentially causing hypernatremia (high sodium levels) rather than hyponatremia (low sodium levels).

B) This choice is incorrect because loop diuretics do not typically cause hypocalcemia (low calcium levels). They primarily affect sodium, potassium, and water excretion.

C) This choice is incorrect because loop diuretics are more likely to cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels) rather than hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). Loop diuretics can increase potassium excretion, leading to a potential deficiency.

D) This choice is correct. Loop diuretics are potent potassium-wasting diuretics, meaning they increase potassium excretion in the urine, potentially causing hypokalemia. The nurse should closely monitor the client's potassium levels and provide potassium supplementation if necessary.