The nurse is reinforcing discharge instructions to the client with pulmonary sarcoidosis. The nurse knows that the client understands the information if the client verbalizes which early sign of exacerbation?

A. Report new-onset muscle weakness: Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and fatigue, which are important symptoms that need to be monitored. Reporting these symptoms promptly is crucial because severe hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening complications, such as respiratory failure or cardiac arrhythmias.

B. Increase consumption of apples and broccoli: While fruits and vegetables like apples and broccoli are healthy, they are not particularly high in potassium. The client should be encouraged to consume potassium-rich foods such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, and spinach to help correct hypokalemia.

C. Avoid salt substitutes: Some salt substitutes contain potassium chloride, which can actually help increase potassium levels. However, this option might be recommended in certain conditions where potassium levels need to be carefully controlled, such as in renal failure, not in hypokalemia management.

D. Report falls, due to high risk of osteoporosis: Hypokalemia does not directly increase the risk of osteoporosis. Falls may occur due to muscle weakness, but this is not specifically related to osteoporosis. Therefore, reporting falls is not the primary concern in hypokalemia.

A. Dyspnea: Shortness of breath is a common and significant symptom of COPD, resulting from the narrowing of airways and difficulty in expelling air.

B. Chronic cough: A persistent cough, often productive, is a hallmark of COPD. It is typically a response to chronic irritation and inflammation of the airways.

C. Wheezing: Wheezing is a common symptom of COPD due to the constriction of airways and turbulent airflow through narrowed airways.

D. Sputum production: Increased sputum production is common in COPD, especially in chronic bronchitis type of COPD, where inflammation leads to excess mucus production.

E. Chest tightness: While chest tightness can occur in COPD, it is less commonly emphasized compared to the other symptoms listed. The primary symptoms are generally more focused on dyspnea, cough, wheezing, and sputum production.