A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has an ileal conduit following bladder cancer. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for the nurse to provide additional teaching?

The correct answer is b. Decreased deep tendon reflexes.

Choice A: Wheezing

Reason: Wheezing is typically associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or allergic reactions. It is not a common manifestation of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia primarily affects the muscular and cardiovascular systems rather than the respiratory system.

Choice B: Decreased deep tendon reflexes

Reason: Hyperkalemia can cause neuromuscular symptoms, including muscle weakness and decreased deep tendon reflexes. High potassium levels interfere with the normal function of muscle cells and nerves, leading to these symptoms. This is a direct result of the altered action potentials in neurons caused by elevated potassium levels.

Choice C: Hypoactive bowel sounds

Reason: Hypoactive bowel sounds are generally associated with conditions that cause decreased gastrointestinal motility, such as ileus or bowel obstruction. While hyperkalemia can affect muscle function, it is more likely to cause hyperactive bowel sounds due to increased gastrointestinal motility rather than hypoactive sounds.

Choice D: Cerebral edema

Reason: Cerebral edema is swelling of the brain and is not a typical manifestation of hyperkalemia. It is more commonly associated with conditions such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, or severe infections. Hyperkalemia primarily affects the heart and muscles.

Choice A reason: Numbness of fingers is not a sign of respiratory acidosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, Raynaud's syndrome, or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Choice B reason: Abdominal pain is not a sign of respiratory acidosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as gastritis, appendicitis, or gallstones.

Choice C reason: Dry skin is not a sign of respiratory acidosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as dehydration, eczema, or hypothyroidism.

Choice D reason: Lethargy is a sign of respiratory acidosis, as it indicates a low level of oxygen and a high level of carbon dioxide in the brain. Lethargy is a state of reduced mental and physical activity, which can progress to confusion, coma, or death if not treated.