A nurse is assessing a client who has diabetes insipidus. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

The correct answer is: A

Choice A Reason: Hypokalemia refers to a lower-than-normal level of potassium in the bloodstream. Normal potassium levels are typically between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. In the context of nephrotic syndrome and high-dose corticosteroid therapy, hypokalemia can occur due to increased urinary potassium losses caused by corticosteroid-induced alterations in kidney function. Corticosteroids can promote the excretion of potassium, leading to a deficiency.

Choice B Reason: Hypomagnesemia is a condition where there is a magnesium deficiency in the blood, with normal levels usually ranging between 1.7 and 2.2 mg/dL. While it can occur in nephrotic syndrome due to urinary losses of proteins that bind magnesium, it is not typically associated with corticosteroid therapy. Therefore, it is less likely to be monitored in this specific scenario.

Choice C Reason: Hypermagnesemia indicates an abnormally high level of magnesium in the blood. This condition is relatively rare and is not commonly associated with nephrotic syndrome or corticosteroid therapy. It is more often related to renal failure or excessive intake of magnesium-containing medications or supplements.

Choice D Reason: Hyperkalemia is characterized by an elevated level of potassium in the blood, with normal levels being 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. While hyperkalemia can occur in nephrotic syndrome due to the loss of albumin in the urine, which can affect calcium and potassium binding, corticosteroid therapy typically causes a decrease in potassium levels, making hypokalemia a more relevant concern in this context.

Choice A rationale:
Dysmenorrhea (painful periods) that is unresponsive to NSAIDs is a common symptom of endometriosis.
Choice B rationale:
An atypical Papanicolaou smear is not directly related to endometriosis.
Choice C rationale:
A history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can increase the risk of endometriosis, but it’s not a symptom of the condition.
Choice D rationale:
Abdominal bloating before menses can be a symptom of many conditions, not just endometriosis.