A nurse is gathering information from a patient who has been experiencing diarrhea for several days.
What symptoms should the nurse anticipate?

Choice A rationale:

Iron supplements Iron supplements are commonly used to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia. While beneficial in relieving iron deficiency, iron pills can cause side effects like constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dark stools, stomach cramps, and a metallic taste. However, constipation is not the primary side effect of iron supplements.

Choice B rationale:

Magnesium-containing antacids Magnesium-containing antacids are used to relieve the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, or indigestion. By neutralizing stomach acid, antacids relieve symptoms such as burning behind the breast bone or throat area caused by acid reflux, a bitter taste in the mouth, a persistent dry cough, pain when lying down, or regurgitation. While these antacids can cause diarrhea, they do not typically lead to constipation.

Choice C rationale:

Anticholinergics/Antispasmodics Anticholinergics and antispasmodics are used to relieve cramps or spasms of the stomach, intestines, and bladder. Some are used together with antacids or other medicines in the treatment of peptic ulcers. Others are used to prevent nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. While these medications can cause a variety of side effects, constipation is not a primary side effect.

Choice D rationale:

Opioid narcotics Opioids, also known as narcotics, are a class of drugs healthcare providers prescribe to manage moderate to severe pain, as well as chronic coughing and diarrhea. Common side effects of narcotics include constipation, decreased sweating, dizziness, dry mouth, nose, throat, or skin. Therefore, opioid narcotics are the medication most likely to lead to constipation among the options provided.

The correct answer is: B. Decreased deep tendon reflexes.

Choice A rationale: Wheezing is not typically associated with hyperkalemia. It is more commonly related to respiratory conditions.

Choice B rationale: Hyperkalemia can cause decreased deep tendon reflexes due to the effect of high potassium levels on nerve conduction and muscle function.

Choice C rationale: Hypoactive bowel sounds are not a common sign of hyperkalemia. They are more often associated with gastrointestinal issues.

Choice D rationale: Cerebral edema is not related to hyperkalemia. It is usually associated with conditions affecting the brain, such as trauma or infections.