The nurse reviews a client's electrolyte results and notes that the potassium level is 5.4 mEq/L. What would the nurse look for on the cardiac monitor as a result of this laboratory value?

Choice A reason: Diffusion is the process by which small ions such as glucose, oxygen, and carbon dioxide redistribute themselves through semipermeable membranes from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration. This is how these molecules move across the cell membrane and the capillary wall.

Choice B reason: Osmosis is the process by which water moves through semipermeable membranes from areas of lower solute concentration to areas of higher solute concentration. This is how water balance is maintained across the cell membrane and the capillary wall.

Choice C reason: Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood on the walls of the blood vessels. It is not a process by which small ions redistribute themselves through semipermeable membranes, but rather a factor that influences the movement of fluids and solutes across the capillary wall.

Choice D reason: Rehydration is the process of restoring the fluid balance in the body by drinking fluids or receiving intravenous fluids. It is not a process by which small ions redistribute themselves through semipermeable membranes, but rather a treatment for dehydration.

Choice A reason: The client with an ileostomy is at risk for fluid volume deficit because an ileostomy is a surgical opening in the ileum, the last part of the small intestine, that allows the drainage of intestinal contents. This can result in a loss of fluids and electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium, which can lead to dehydration and hypovolemia.

Choice B reason: The client with cirrhosis is not at risk for fluid volume deficit, but rather fluid volume excess. Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease that causes scarring and impaired liver function. This can lead to portal hypertension, which is an increase in the pressure in the portal vein that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver. Portal hypertension can cause ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, and edema, which is the swelling of the tissues due to fluid retention.

Choice C reason: The client with heart failure is not at risk for fluid volume deficit, but rather fluid volume excess. Heart failure is a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This can lead to congestion of the blood vessels, which can cause pulmonary edema, which is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, and peripheral edema, which is the swelling of the extremities due to fluid retention.

Choice D reason: The client with decreased renal function is not at risk for fluid volume deficit, but rather fluid volume excess. Decreased renal function is a condition where the kidneys are unable to filter the blood and remove excess fluids and wastes. This can lead to oliguria, which is a decrease in urine output, and anuria, which is the absence of urine output. This can cause fluid overload, which can affect the heart and the lungs.