A nurse is caring for a client who has a potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L). Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend as being the best source of potassium?

Rationale:

• Hypercapnia: This is a hallmark of malignant hyperthermia (MH), resulting from uncontrolled calcium release in muscle cells leading to increased metabolism and CO2 production. It is not typical of latex allergy or hypovolemic shock. Neither condition causes increased carbon dioxide retention from muscle metabolism.
• Tachycardia: Elevated heart rate is common in MH due to hypermetabolic state, in latex allergy as part of anaphylaxis response, and in hypovolemic shock as a compensatory mechanism for decreased circulating volume.
• Wheezing: Wheezing reflects bronchospasm, a common feature of latex allergy/anaphylaxis, but is not a symptom of MH or hypovolemic shock.
• Urticaria (hives): Urticaria is a typical allergic skin reaction seen in latex allergy but is absent in MH and hypovolemic shock.
• Muscle rigidity: Muscle rigidity, particularly jaw muscle rigidity (masseter spasm), is a classic sign of MH due to abnormal muscle metabolism. This finding is not associated with latex allergy or hypovolemic shock.

Rationale:

• Drooling: Drooling is classic in epiglottitis due to severe throat pain and an inability to swallow. It is not commonly seen in RSV or streptococcal pharyngitis, where swallowing remains relatively intact.
• Hypoxia: Both epiglottitis and RSV can cause hypoxia. In epiglottitis, airway obstruction can quickly compromise oxygenation. In RSV, hypoxia results from inflammation and mucus plugging in the small airways.
• Fever: Fever is a nonspecific but common finding across all three conditions. It signals an inflammatory or infectious process, whether viral (RSV), bacterial (Streptococcus), or in epiglottitis (often Haemophilus influenzae type b if unimmunized).
• Tachypnea: Tachypnea may occur in both epiglottitis and RSV as the body compensates for airway compromise and impaired gas exchange. It is not a typical feature of uncomplicated streptococcal pharyngitis.
• Exudate on pharynx: Pharyngeal exudates are common in streptococcal pharyngitis and help differentiate it from viral causes. They are typically absent in RSV and epiglottitis, where the pathology lies elsewhere (lower airways or supraglottic structures).
• Wheezing upon auscultation: Wheezing is a hallmark of RSV due to bronchiolar inflammation and narrowing. It is not seen in epiglottitis or streptococcal pharyngitis, as those conditions do not primarily affect the bronchioles.