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.

Moving objects away from the client is an important action to take during a seizure, as it can prevent injury and protect the client from harm.

"Place the client on his back." is not correct, as it can cause airway obstruction and aspiration. The client should be placed on his side, preferably in a lateral recumbent position, to allow saliva and secretions to drain from the mouth.

"Restrain the client." is not appropriate, as it can cause injury, increase agitation, or prolong the seizure. The client should be allowed to move freely during a seizure, but supported and guided away from hazards.

"Insert a padded tongue blade into the client's mouth." is not advisable, as it can cause oral trauma, choking, or damage to the teeth. The client should not have anything inserted into his mouth during a seizure, as he cannot swallow or bite his tongue. The nurse should ensure that the client's airway is clear and patent.