A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about foods and beverages that can cause diarrhea. Which of the following should the nurse include in the 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: Collecting urine from the catheter's port is not a correct action for the nurse to take, as it can introduce contamination and infection into the urinary tract. The nurse should insert a new, sterile catheter into the bladder and collect the urine directly from the catheter.

Choice B reason: Using a sterile specimen container is a correct action for the nurse to take, as it ensures that the urine sample is not contaminated by any bacteria or other substances. The nurse should label the container with the client's name, date, and time of collection and send it to the laboratory as soon as possible.

Choice C reason: Using sterile water to inflate the balloon is not a relevant action for the nurse to take, as it applies to an indwelling catheter, not a straight catheter. A straight catheter does not have a balloon and is removed after the urine is drained.

Choice D reason: Instructing the client to clean from front to back with an antiseptic solution is a good action for the nurse to take, as it helps to prevent the introduction of bacteria from the anal area into the urethra. However, it is not the best answer, as it is a general hygiene measure, not a specific action for obtaining a urine specimen.