A nurse is collecting data on a client who has mitral valve stenosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

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.

Choice A reason: Shaking the inhaler well before using it is a correct action for the client to take, as it helps to mix the medication and the propellant. However, it is not the best answer, as it is a general instruction that applies to most inhalers, not a specific one that indicates an understanding of the teaching.

Choice B reason: Holding the breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication is a correct action for the client to take, as it helps to keep the medication in the lungs and improve its absorption. However, it is not the best answer, as it is a general instruction that applies to most inhalers, not a specific one that indicates an understanding of the teaching.

Choice C reason: Rinsing the mouth with water after using the inhaler is the best answer, as it indicates an understanding of the teaching. Rinsing the mouth with water helps to prevent oral thrush, a fungal infection that can occur as a side effect of some inhalers, especially those that contain steroids.

Choice D reason: Waiting 30 seconds between each puff of the inhaler is not a correct action for the client to take, as it can reduce the effectiveness of the medication. The client should wait at least one minute between each puff of the inhaler, unless instructed otherwise by the provider.