A nurse is collecting data on a client who has diarrhea. Which of the following findings is a manifestation of hypokalemia?
Hypertension
Cerebral edema
Muscle weakness
Hyperactive bowel sounds
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Tachycardia is a sign of circulatory overload. Circulatory overload is a condition where the blood volume or rate of infusion is too high for the client's cardiovascular system. This causes the heart to beat faster and harder to pump the excess fluid, resulting in a high heart rate, or tachycardia.
Choice B reason: Weight loss is not a sign of circulatory overload. Weight loss is a condition where the body loses more calories than it consumes, resulting in a decrease in body mass. Weight loss can be caused by various factors, such as diet, exercise, illness, or medication. Weight gain, not weight loss, is a sign of circulatory overload, as the excess fluid accumulates in the body.
Choice C reason: Hypotension is not a sign of circulatory overload. Hypotension is a condition where the blood pressure is too low, which can impair the blood flow to the vital organs. Hypotension can be caused by various factors, such as dehydration, bleeding, shock, or medication. Hypertension, not hypotension, is a sign of circulatory overload, as the excess fluid increases the pressure in the blood vessels.
Choice D reason: Diaphoresis is not a sign of circulatory overload. Diaphoresis is a condition where the body sweats excessively, which can help to regulate the body temperature and eliminate toxins. Diaphoresis can be caused by various factors, such as fever, anxiety, exercise, or medication. Edema, not diaphoresis, is a sign of circulatory overload, as the excess fluid leaks into the interstitial spaces and causes swelling.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Dry skin is not a sign of respiratory alkalosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as dehydration, eczema, or hypothyroidism.
Choice B reason: Abdominal pain is not a sign of respiratory alkalosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as gastritis, appendicitis, or gallstones.
Choice C reason: Diarrhea is not a sign of respiratory alkalosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as infection, inflammation, or food intolerance.
Choice D reason: Numbness of fingers is a sign of respiratory alkalosis, as it indicates a low level of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia). Hypocalcemia can result from the alkalosis, as it causes the calcium to bind to proteins and become less available. Numbness of fingers can also affect the toes and lips.
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