A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of essential hypertension. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following findings that is consistent with this diagnosis?

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Choice A reason:

This statement is incorrect because it trivializes the patient's concerns and implies that enjoyment is the primary goal, which is not the case. The main purpose of cardiac rehabilitation is to improve health outcomes, not just to make the routine enjoyable.

Choice B reason:

While exercise is beneficial for heart health, this statement is too general and does not address the specific benefits of cardiac rehabilitation for someone who has had a myocardial infarction.

The correct answer is C:

"Cardiac rehabilitation cannot undo the damage to your heart but it can help you get back to your previous level of activity safely." Cardiac rehabilitation is crucial for patients who have experienced a myocardial infarction. It provides a structured program that includes exercise, education, and support to help patients improve their cardiovascular health and prevent future cardiac events.

Choice D reason:

Deferring to the doctor's expertise does not educate the patient about the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation. It's important for patients to understand why they are participating in the program.