A nurse is caring for a client who has COPD. The nurse should identify that the client is at risk for which of the following acid-base imbalances?

The correct answer is c. Muscle weakness.

Choice A: Hypertension

Reason: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not a typical manifestation of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia primarily affects muscle function and the nervous system. While potassium imbalances can influence blood pressure, hypertension is more commonly associated with hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) rather than hypokalemia.

Choice B: Cerebral Edema

Reason: Cerebral edema, which is swelling of the brain, is not a known manifestation of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia affects muscle and nerve function, but it does not directly cause cerebral edema. This condition is more related to severe head injuries, infections, or other medical conditions.

Choice C: Muscle Weakness

Reason: Muscle weakness is a common and significant manifestation of hypokalemia. Potassium is crucial for muscle function, and low levels can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, and even paralysis in severe cases. This is because potassium helps in the transmission of nerve signals to muscles, and a deficiency disrupts this process.

Choice D: Hyperactive Bowel Sounds

Reason: Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with hypokalemia. In fact, hypokalemia can lead to decreased bowel motility, resulting in symptoms like constipation or ileus (a condition where the intestines do not move properly). This is due to the role of potassium in muscle contractions, including those in the digestive tract.

Choice A reason: Encourages oral fluid intake during waking hours is not an action that the nurse should intervene. Encouraging oral fluid intake during waking hours is a part of a bladder-training program, as it helps to maintain adequate hydration and prevent urinary tract infections. The nurse should instruct the AP to limit the client's fluid intake before bedtime, as it may cause nocturia and disrupt the bladder-training schedule.

Choice B reason: Assists the client to the bathroom every 2 hr is not an action that the nurse should intervene. Assisting the client to the bathroom every 2 hr is a part of a bladder-training program, as it helps to establish a regular pattern of voiding and reduce the risk of incontinence. The nurse should instruct the AP to gradually increase the interval between bathroom visits, as the client's bladder capacity and control improve.

Choice C reason: Offers the opportunity to urinate 15 min prior to bathing is not an action that the nurse should intervene. Offering the opportunity to urinate 15 min prior to bathing is a part of a bladder-training program, as it helps to prevent the stimulation of the micturition reflex by warm water and reduce the risk of accidental voiding. The nurse should instruct the AP to avoid giving the client diuretics, caffeine, or alcohol, as they may increase the urine output and frequency.

Choice D reason: Instructs the client to urinate whenever the urge occurs is an action that the nurse should intervene. Instructing the client to urinate whenever the urge occurs is not a part of a bladder-training program, as it does not help to improve the bladder function and may worsen the urge incontinence. The nurse should instruct the AP to teach the client some techniques to suppress the urge, such as pelvic floor exercises, deep breathing, or distraction.