A nurse is caring for a client admitted with a fluid imbalance. Which laboratory test(s) should the nurse anticipate will be affected by the client's condition? Select all that apply.

Choice A reason:
Being informed of procedures relates to the client’s right to informed consent, not directly to confidentiality. While important, it does not specifically address protection of private health information.

Choice B reason:
The right to leave against medical advice pertains to autonomy and self-determination, not confidentiality. This right ensures clients can make decisions about care but does not cover privacy of medical records.

Choice C reason:
Refusal of treatment or medication also relates to autonomy and informed consent. While ethically significant, it does not specifically address how the client’s health information is protected.

Choice D reason:
Clients have the right to privacy of their health care information and medical records, which is the core aspect of confidentiality. Teaching should include how personal health data is protected, who can access it, and how the client’s rights are maintained under HIPAA regulations and hospital policy. This ensures the client understands their legal protections and the nurse’s responsibility to safeguard their information.

Choice A reason:
Rapid intravenous administration of potassium can cause sudden and dangerous changes in cardiac electrical activity. Potassium plays a critical role in myocardial cell depolarization and repolarization. When infused too quickly, serum potassium levels can rise abruptly, leading to severe cardiac dysrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or asystole. These rhythm disturbances can progress rapidly to cardiac arrest, making this the most life-threatening complication.

Choice B reason:
Metabolic alkalosis is not a direct or immediate complication of rapid potassium infusion. In fact, hypokalemia is more commonly associated with metabolic alkalosis, and potassium replacement may help correct it. This condition does not represent the primary acute danger associated with rapid intravenous potassium administration.

Choice C reason:
Fluid volume overload depends on the total volume and rate of fluid infused rather than the potassium itself. While excessive IV fluids can contribute to overload, this is not the most critical or potassium-specific life-threatening complication associated with rapid potassium administration.

Choice D reason:
Hypertension is not a typical consequence of rapid potassium infusion. Potassium primarily affects cardiac conduction and neuromuscular function rather than causing acute increases in blood pressure. Therefore, this option is incorrect.