A nurse is assisting with the care of a school-age child who has respiratory failure due to pneumonia. Which of the following positions should the nurse encourage to allow maximal lung expansion?

The correct answer is B. Decreased deep tendon reflexes. Hyperkalemia can lead to muscle weakness and decreased reflexes, which is a common manifestation in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Choice A reason:

Wheezing is typically associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), not hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia affects the muscular function and cardiac conduction rather than causing respiratory symptoms.

Choice B reason:

Decreased deep tendon reflexes occur due to the effect of hyperkalemia on the neuromuscular junction and muscle excitability. In hyperkalemia, the resting membrane potential of muscle cells is less negative, which makes them less responsive to stimuli.

Choice C reason:

Hypoactive bowel sounds are generally associated with gastrointestinal issues and are not a direct manifestation of hyperkalemia. While severe hyperkalemia can affect smooth muscle function, it is not typically characterized by changes in bowel sounds.

Choice D reason:

Cerebral edema is not a manifestation of hyperkalemia. It is usually caused by traumatic brain injury, infections, or other neurological conditions. Hyperkalemia primarily affects muscular function and cardiac conduction.

Normal serum potassium levels range from about 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L. Hyperkalemia is defined as serum potassium levels above 5.0 mmol/L.

Choice A reason: Positioning the client supine is not a necessary action for the nurse to take, as the client can be in any comfortable position for the catheter removal. The nurse should explain the procedure to the client and provide privacy.

Choice B reason: Cleansing the perineal area with an antiseptic is not a required action for the nurse to take, as the catheter is already sterile and the risk of infection is low. The nurse should wear gloves and use a clean syringe to deflate the balloon.

Choice C reason: Deflating the balloon halfway and then pulling out the catheter is the correct action for the nurse to take, as it ensures that the catheter is removed smoothly and without causing trauma to the urethra. The nurse should apply gentle traction and observe the urine color and amount in the drainage bag.

Choice D reason: Having the client bear down during removal is not a recommended action for the nurse to take, as it can cause discomfort and bleeding. The nurse should instruct the client to relax and breathe normally during the procedure.