A nurse is caring for a client who has hypernatremia and requires IV fluid therapy. Which solution should the nurse prepare to infuse for this client?

A) Constipation: Elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia) typically affect neuromuscular and cardiac function rather than gastrointestinal motility. Constipation is more commonly associated with conditions like hypokalemia or electrolyte imbalances affecting the gastrointestinal system.

B) Polyuria: Polyuria, or excessive urination, is not directly caused by hyperkalemia. It can occur due to conditions like diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus, or as a side effect of certain medications like diuretics. Hyperkalemia does not typically lead to increased urine output and may even lead to oliguria if severe renal impairment occurs.

C) EKG with a U wave: The presence of a U wave on an electrocardiogram (EKG) is typically associated with hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia. U waves are seen when potassium levels are low, reflecting delayed repolarization of the ventricles. In hyperkalemia, EKG changes more commonly include peaked T waves, prolonged PR interval, and widened QRS complexes.

D) Paresthesias of the extremities: Hyperkalemia can cause paresthesias, which are sensations of tingling or numbness, particularly in the extremities. This occurs due to the effect of elevated potassium levels on nerve and muscle function. As potassium is essential for maintaining normal neuromuscular function, deviations from normal levels can disrupt action potentials and lead to sensory disturbances like paresthesias.

A) The client's daily calorie intake: While daily calorie intake is important for understanding a client's nutritional needs and managing their diet, it is not required for calculating BMI. BMI calculation focuses on weight and height rather than caloric intake.

B) The client's waist circumference: Waist circumference is useful for assessing abdominal fat distribution and risk of obesity-related conditions, but it is not needed for calculating BMI. BMI calculation requires height and weight, not waist measurements.

C) The client's height: To calculate BMI, the client's height is essential. BMI is determined by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters (kg/m²). Accurate height measurement is crucial for this calculation.

D) The client's skinfold thickness: Skinfold thickness measurements are used to estimate body fat percentage but are not required for calculating BMI. BMI relies solely on weight and height, not body fat estimates.