A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

The correct answer is B. Decreased deep tendon reflexes. Hyperkalemia can lead to muscle weakness and decreased reflexes, which is a common manifestation in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Choice A reason:

Wheezing is typically associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), not hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia affects the muscular function and cardiac conduction rather than causing respiratory symptoms.

Choice B reason:

Decreased deep tendon reflexes occur due to the effect of hyperkalemia on the neuromuscular junction and muscle excitability. In hyperkalemia, the resting membrane potential of muscle cells is less negative, which makes them less responsive to stimuli.

Choice C reason:

Hypoactive bowel sounds are generally associated with gastrointestinal issues and are not a direct manifestation of hyperkalemia. While severe hyperkalemia can affect smooth muscle function, it is not typically characterized by changes in bowel sounds.

Choice D reason:

Cerebral edema is not a manifestation of hyperkalemia. It is usually caused by traumatic brain injury, infections, or other neurological conditions. Hyperkalemia primarily affects muscular function and cardiac conduction.

Normal serum potassium levels range from about 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L. Hyperkalemia is defined as serum potassium levels above 5.0 mmol/L.

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.