A nurse is assessing a client with profuse vomiting and diarrhea. Which finding is a manifestation of hypokalemia?
Hyperactive bowel sounds
muscle weakness
Increased thirst
Cerebral edema
The Correct Answer is B
A) Hyperactive bowel sounds:
Hyperactive bowel sounds are more commonly associated with conditions like diarrhea or gastrointestinal obstruction. Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, typically affects muscle function rather than bowel activity directly.
B) Muscle weakness:
Muscle weakness is a key manifestation of hypokalemia. Potassium is crucial for muscle function, and a deficiency can lead to significant weakness and fatigue, which is a common symptom in individuals with low potassium levels.
C) Increased thirst:
Increased thirst is more commonly associated with dehydration or hypernatremia rather than hypokalemia. While hypokalemia can cause fluid imbalances, increased thirst is not a primary symptom of low potassium levels.
D) Cerebral edema:
Cerebral edema is not typically associated with hypokalemia. It is more commonly related to conditions such as head injury, infection, or other fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Hypokalemia primarily affects muscle function and heart rhythm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Edema: Fluid volume overload often leads to edema due to the excess fluid leaking out of the blood vessels into the interstitial spaces. This swelling is commonly observed in areas such as the ankles, legs, and hands.
B) Oliguria: Oliguria, or reduced urine output, is more indicative of fluid volume deficit or kidney dysfunction rather than overload. In fluid volume overload, the kidneys typically produce more urine to try to balance the excess fluid.
C) Hypotension: Fluid volume overload usually causes an increase in blood pressure rather than hypotension. Hypotension is more commonly associated with fluid volume deficit or severe fluid loss.
D) Hyperthermia: Hyperthermia is not a direct result of fluid volume overload. It is more related to conditions involving fever or infection. Fluid overload primarily affects fluid distribution and does not directly cause an increase in body temperature
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Extreme thirst: While extreme thirst can be associated with electrolyte imbalances, particularly in conditions of dehydration or hypernatremia (elevated sodium levels), a sodium level of 116 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia (low sodium levels). Extreme thirst is less typical for hyponatremia.
B) Paresthesias: Paresthesias, or abnormal sensations like tingling or numbness, are more commonly associated with conditions of low calcium or potassium levels rather than sodium. In hyponatremia, neurological symptoms can occur, but they typically include lethargy or confusion rather than specific paresthesias.
C) Lethargy: Lethargy is a common symptom of severe hyponatremia. Low sodium levels can lead to cerebral edema and neurological disturbances, resulting in symptoms such as lethargy, confusion, and even seizures. This is a direct consequence of the altered osmotic balance affecting brain function.
D) Blood clots: Hyponatremia is not typically associated with an increased risk of blood clots. Blood clots are more related to conditions affecting coagulation factors, which are not directly influenced by sodium levels.
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