A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is taking a loop diuretic and notes the client’s potassium level is 3.0 mEq/L. Which of the following physiological responses should the nurse expect related to the client’s hypokalemia?

a. Nausea: Nausea is a common symptom of myocardial infarction and can be associated with autonomic nervous system activation.

b. Orthopnea: Orthopnea, difficulty breathing while lying down, is more commonly associated with heart failure, not necessarily myocardial infarction.

c. Diaphoresis: Profuse sweating or diaphoresis is a common manifestation of myocardial infarction due to sympathetic nervous system activation.

d. Headache: Headache is not a typical symptom of myocardial infarction. However, some individuals may experience atypical symptoms.

e. Tachycardia: Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) is a common response to myocardial infarction and can be associated with sympathetic nervous system stimulation in response to decreased cardiac output.

a. Ineffective airway clearance: This is the priority as it addresses the immediate threat to the client's respiratory status. Accumulation of thick, copious secretions can lead to airway

obstruction and respiratory distress.

b. Malnourishment: While important, addressing malnourishment is not an immediate

postoperative priority. The client may receive nutrition through alternative means until normal swallowing function is restored.

c. High risk for infection: Infection is a concern, but ensuring airway clearance takes precedence in the immediate postoperative period.

d. Impaired verbal communication: Verbal communication is important, but it is not as immediate a concern as ensuring the airway is clear to prevent respiratory compromise.