A nurse in an urgent care clinic is collecting data from a client who reports having diarrhea for the past 3 days. Which of the following findings indicates hypokalemia?
Pitting edema
Diplopia
Muscle weakness
Hyperactive bowel sounds
The Correct Answer is C
A nurse collecting data from a client who reports having diarrhea for the past 3 days should identify that muscle weakness is a symptom of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is a condition in which the blood potassium level is low and can be caused by excessive fluid loss through diarrhea. Potassium helps regulate muscle contractions, so when blood potassium levels are low, muscles may produce weaker contractions which result in muscle weakness.
The other options are not typical symptoms of hypokalemia.
a) Pitting edema is not a typical symptom of hypokalemia.
b) Diplopia is not a typical symptom of hypokalemia.
d) Hyperactive bowel sounds are not a typical symptom of hypokalemia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
No explanation
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
When taking allopurinol, a medication commonly used to treat gout and prevent kidney stones, the nurse should instruct the client to monitor and report the manifestation of a skin rash with fever. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur as a rare side effect of allopurinol. It is characterized by a widespread rash, often with fever, and can progress to involve the mucous membranes (e.g., mouth, eyes) and cause severe complications.
The other manifestations mentioned, such as diplopia (double vision), tinnitus with ear pain, and hyperreflexia (exaggerated reflexes), are not typically associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and should not be directly attributed to this condition. However, it's important for the client to report any unusual or severe symptoms to their healthcare provider for further evaluation and appropriate management.
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