A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with the parents of an infant who has a prescription for home oxygen and pulse oximetry monitoring. Which of the following statements by the parents indicates a need for further teaching?

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: Donning sterile gloves is an essential step to prevent contamination and infection during the insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter. The nurse should also use aseptic technique and a sterile catheter kit.

Choice B reason: Applying an oil-based lubricant to the indwelling urinary catheter is not recommended, as it can damage the latex material and increase the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). The nurse should use a water-soluble lubricant instead.

Choice C reason: Testing the balloon on the indwelling urinary catheter before insertion is a good practice, as it ensures that the balloon is functioning properly and does not leak or burst. The nurse should inflate and deflate the balloon with sterile water or saline using a syringe.

Choice D reason: Using one cotton swab to clean the client's urinary meatus is not sufficient, as it may not remove all the bacteria and debris. The nurse should use at least three cotton swabs and clean the meatus from front to back in a circular motion. The nurse should also use an antiseptic solution such as chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine.