A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is placed on supplemental oxygen for hypoxia. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings indicate the intervention was effective?

The correct answer is c. Muscle weakness.

Choice A: Hypertension

Reason: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not a typical manifestation of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia primarily affects muscle function and the nervous system. While potassium imbalances can influence blood pressure, hypertension is more commonly associated with hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) rather than hypokalemia.

Choice B: Cerebral Edema

Reason: Cerebral edema, which is swelling of the brain, is not a known manifestation of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia affects muscle and nerve function, but it does not directly cause cerebral edema. This condition is more related to severe head injuries, infections, or other medical conditions.

Choice C: Muscle Weakness

Reason: Muscle weakness is a common and significant manifestation of hypokalemia. Potassium is crucial for muscle function, and low levels can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, and even paralysis in severe cases. This is because potassium helps in the transmission of nerve signals to muscles, and a deficiency disrupts this process.

Choice D: Hyperactive Bowel Sounds

Reason: Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with hypokalemia. In fact, hypokalemia can lead to decreased bowel motility, resulting in symptoms like constipation or ileus (a condition where the intestines do not move properly). This is due to the role of potassium in muscle contractions, including those in the digestive tract.

Choice A reason: Dry skin is not a sign of respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis is a condition where the blood pH is too high due to excessive loss of carbon dioxide through rapid breathing. Dry skin can be caused by dehydration, cold weather, or skin conditions.

Choice B reason: Diarrhea is not a sign of respiratory alkalosis. Diarrhea is a condition where the stool is loose and watery due to increased intestinal motility or infection. Diarrhea can cause metabolic acidosis, which is a condition where the blood pH is too low due to excessive loss of bicarbonate.

Choice C reason: Abdominal pain is not a sign of respiratory alkalosis. Abdominal pain is a symptom that can have many causes, such as gastritis, appendicitis, or irritable bowel syndrome. Abdominal pain can also cause hyperventilation due to anxiety or discomfort, but it is not a direct result of respiratory alkalosis.

Choice D reason: Hyperventilation is a sign of respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation is a condition where the breathing rate is faster than normal, causing excess carbon dioxide to be expelled from the lungs. This lowers the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood, which increases the blood pH and causes alkalosis. Hyperventilation can be caused by anxiety, fever, pain, or lung diseases.