A nurse is caring for a patient who has chronic kidney disease. Which of the following findings is a manifestation of hyperkalemia?

Choice A reason: Swelling and tenderness around a wound are common signs of infection. The body's inflammatory response to the invading bacteria causes these symptoms.

Choice B reason: Serosanguineous drainage, which is composed of both blood and a clear yellow liquid called serum, is typically a normal part of the healing process and not necessarily a sign of infection.

Choice C reason: Bromocriptine is a medication and not a sign of wound infection. This choice seems to be a distractor and does not relate to the clinical signs of a wound infection.

Choice D reason: Urticaria, also known as hives, is a reaction that can be caused by an allergy, stress, or other factors, and is not a direct sign of wound infection.

The correct answer is choice B. Raise the head of the bed.

Choice A rationale:

Increasing the patient’s oral fluid intake is important for hydration and thinning secretions, but it is not the immediate priority when oxygen saturation is critically low.

Choice B rationale:

Raising the head of the bed helps improve lung expansion and facilitates easier breathing, which can quickly improve oxygen saturation levels. This is a critical first step in managing low oxygen saturation.

Choice C rationale:

Initiating humidified oxygen therapy is essential for improving oxygenation, but it should follow the immediate action of raising the head of the bed to optimize breathing.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging the patient to cough and deep breathe is beneficial for clearing secretions and improving lung function, but it is not the first action to take when oxygen saturation is critically low.