A nurse is caring for a client who has had a myocardial infarction. Upon his first visit to cardiac rehabilitation, he tells the nurse that he doesn't understand why he needs to be there because there is nothing more to do, as the damage is done. Which of the following is the correct nursing response?

Hypokalemia is a low serum potassium level, usually below 3.5 mEq/L. It can be caused by diuretics that increase potassium excretion, such as thiazides or loop diuretics. Potassium is essential for normal muscle and nerve function, and hypokalemia can impair cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle activity. Symptoms of hypokalemia include fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, arrhythmias, constipation, and hyporeflexia.

1. Dyspnea is difficulty or labored breathing that can be caused by various respiratory or cardiac conditions, such as asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, or heart failure. It is not a specific sign of hypokalemia, although severe hypokalemia can affect respiratory muscle function and cause respiratory failure.
2. Oliguria is a reduced urine output, usually less than 400 mL per day or 30 mL per hour. It can be caused by various renal or fluid balance disorders, such as acute kidney injury, dehydration, or shock. It is not a specific sign of hypokalemia, although severe hypokalemia can impair renal function and cause renal failure.
3. Pitting edema is a swelling of the tissues that leaves an indentation when pressed with a finger. It can be caused by various fluid retention disorders, such as heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or nephrotic syndrome. It is not a specific sign of hypokalemia, although severe hypokalemia can affect fluid and electrolyte balance and cause edema.

Aphasia is a language disorder that affects the ability to understand or produce speech. It can be caused by damage to the brain regions that control language, such as from a stroke. Depending on the type and severity of aphasia, the client may have difficulty with comprehension, expression, reading, or writing. Communication strategies for clients with aphasia include using nonverbal cues, such as gestures, facial expressions, pictures, or objects, to supplement verbal messages and enhance understanding.

The other options are not correct because:

a. "Use simple, childlike statements when speaking." This statement is incorrect because it is patronizing and disrespectful to the client. The client's cognitive and intellectual abilities are not affected by aphasia, only their language skills. The nurse should use simple and clear sentences, but not childish or demeaning ones.

c. "Use a higher-pitched tone of voice when speaking." This statement is incorrect because it is unnecessary and may be irritating to the client. The client's hearing is not affected by aphasia, only their language processing. The nurse should use a normal tone of voice and speak slowly and clearly.

d. "Ask multiple choice questions as part of the conversation." This statement is incorrect because it may be confusing and frustrating to the client. The client may have difficulty with verbal output or comprehension, and

multiple choice questions may add to their cognitive load. The nurse should ask yes or no questions or use gestures or pictures to elicit responses from the client.