A nurse is admitting a client with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

What signs would the nurse expect to observe with this client? Select all that apply.

This is because diarrhea can cause a loss of potassium along with water and other electrolytes. Potassium is an important mineral that helps regulate the heartbeat, nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Low levels of potassium can cause symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat and constipation.

Choice B. Hypocalcemia is wrong because diarrhea does not usually cause a loss of

calcium. Calcium is another mineral that helps with muscle and nerve function, blood clotting and bone health. Low levels of calcium can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, seizures and confusion.

Choice C. Hyponatremia is wrong because diarrhea can cause a loss of sodium, but not to the extent that it causes hyponatremia. Sodium is the most abundant electrolyte in the body and it helps regulate fluid balance, blood pressure and nerve and muscle function. Low levels of sodium can cause symptoms such as headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting, seizures and coma.

Choice D. Hypochloremia is wrong because diarrhea can cause a loss of chloride, but not to the extent that it causes hypochloremia. Chloride is another electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance, blood pressure and acid-base balance. Low levels of chloride can cause symptoms such as weakness, dehydration, alkalosis (high blood pH) and muscle twitching.

The normal ranges for electrolytes in the blood are:

• Potassium: 3.5 to 5 mEq/L
• Calcium: 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL
• Sodium: 135 to 145 mEq/L
• Chloride: 96 to 106

pc stands for post cibum, which means after meals in Latin. This abbreviation indicates that a medication is to be administered after the patient has eaten.

Choice A is wrong because hs stands for hora somni, which means at bedtime in Latin. This abbreviation indicates that a medication is to be administered before the patient goes to sleep.

Choice B is wrong because prn stands for pro re nata, which means as needed in Latin. This abbreviation indicates that a medication is to be administered only when the patient requires it.

Choice C is wrong because ac stands for ante cibum, which means before meals in Latin. This abbreviation indicates that a medication is to be administered before the patient eats.