A nurse is caring for a client who has metabolic alkalosis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

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: Collecting urine from the catheter's port is not a correct action for the nurse to take, as it can introduce contamination and infection into the urinary tract. The nurse should insert a new, sterile catheter into the bladder and collect the urine directly from the catheter.

Choice B reason: Using a sterile specimen container is a correct action for the nurse to take, as it ensures that the urine sample is not contaminated by any bacteria or other substances. The nurse should label the container with the client's name, date, and time of collection and send it to the laboratory as soon as possible.

Choice C reason: Using sterile water to inflate the balloon is not a relevant action for the nurse to take, as it applies to an indwelling catheter, not a straight catheter. A straight catheter does not have a balloon and is removed after the urine is drained.

Choice D reason: Instructing the client to clean from front to back with an antiseptic solution is a good action for the nurse to take, as it helps to prevent the introduction of bacteria from the anal area into the urethra. However, it is not the best answer, as it is a general hygiene measure, not a specific action for obtaining a urine specimen.