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

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: Prone is not the best position to allow maximal lung expansion. Prone is a position where the client lies on their stomach, with their head turned to one side. Prone can help to improve oxygenation in some cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but it can also increase the risk of pressure ulcers, facial edema, and airway obstruction.

Choice B reason: Side-lying is not the best position to allow maximal lung expansion. Side-lying is a position where the client lies on their side, with their head supported by a pillow. Side-lying can help to prevent aspiration and reduce the work of breathing in some clients, but it can also compromise the ventilation of the dependent lung.

Choice C reason: Supine is not the best position to allow maximal lung expansion. Supine is a position where the client lies on their back, with their head and shoulders slightly elevated. Supine can help to maintain a patent airway and facilitate suctioning in some clients, but it can also increase the risk of atelectasis, pneumonia, and hypoxemia.

Choice D reason: Upright is the best position to allow maximal lung expansion. Upright is a position where the client sits or stands with their back straight and their chest expanded. Upright can help to improve lung compliance, reduce airway resistance, and enhance gas exchange in clients with respiratory failure. Upright can also reduce the pressure on the diaphragm and abdominal organs, and promote the drainage of secretions.