A home health nurse is making a home visit to a client who takes a daily diuretic for heart failure. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse identify as indicating the client is hypokalemic?

Dyspnea

Oliguria

Pitting edema

Fatigue

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Hypokalemia is a low serum potassium level, usually below 3.5 mEq/L. It can be caused by diuretics that increase potassium excretion, such as thiazides or loop diuretics. Potassium is essential for normal muscle and nerve function, and hypokalemia can impair cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle activity. Symptoms of hypokalemia include fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, arrhythmias, constipation, and hyporeﬂexia.

Dyspnea is difficulty or labored breathing that can be caused by various respiratory or cardiac conditions, such as asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, or heart failure. It is not a specific sign of hypokalemia, although severe hypokalemia can aﬀect respiratory muscle function and cause respiratory failure.
Oliguria is a reduced urine output, usually less than 400 mL per day or 30 mL per hour. It can be caused by various renal or ﬂuid balance disorders, such as acute kidney injury, dehydration, or shock. It is not a specific sign of hypokalemia, although severe hypokalemia can impair renal function and cause renal failure.
Pitting edema is a swelling of the tissues that leaves an indentation when pressed with a finger. It can be caused by various ﬂuid retention disorders, such as heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or nephrotic syndrome. It is not a specific sign of hypokalemia, although severe hypokalemia can aﬀect ﬂuid and electrolyte balance and cause edema.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Using elastic stockings is an eﬀective way to improve venous return and prevent edema, stasis, and ulceration in clients who have venous insufficiency. The stockings should be applied before getting out of bed and worn throughout the day.

"Apply ice packs to your legs." is not appropriate, as ice packs can cause vasoconstriction and impair blood ﬂow to the legs, worsening the condition.

"Place your legs in a dependent position while in bed." is not advisable, as dependent position can increase venous pressure and ﬂuid accumulation in the legs, leading to edema, pain, and skin breakdown

"Remain on bed rest." is not necessary, as bed rest can reduce muscle contraction and impair venous return. The client should be encouraged to perform regular exercise, such as walking, to enhance circulation and prevent complications.

A. Place a moist heating pad under the client's feet. B. Increase the client's oral ﬂuid intake. C. Obtain a pair of slipper-socks for the client. D. Rub the client's feet briskly for several minutes.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Obtaining a pair of slipper socks for the client is a simple and safe way to provide warmth and insulation to the feet, which can improve blood ﬂow and comfort.

Placing a moist heating pad under the client's feet is not recommended, as it can cause burns, vasodilation, or increased ﬂuid loss, which can worsen the condition.

Increasing the client's oral ﬂuid intake is not relevant, as it does not aﬀect the temperature or circulation of the feet.

Rubbing the client's feet briskly for several minutes is not advisable, as it can cause trauma, inﬂammation, or ulceration to the fragile skin and tissues of the feet.

Obtaining a pair of slipper socks for the client is a simple and safe way to provide warmth and insulation to the feet, which can improve blood ﬂow and comfort.

Placing a moist heating pad under the client's feet is not recommended, as it can cause burns, vasodilation, or increased ﬂuid loss, which can worsen the condition.

Increasing the client's oral ﬂuid intake is not relevant, as it does not aﬀect the temperature or circulation of the feet.

Rubbing the client's feet briskly for several minutes is not advisable, as it can cause trauma, inﬂammation, or ulceration to the fragile skin and tissues of the feet.

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