A nurse is collecting data from a client who is in renal failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of hyperkalemia?

Choice A reason: Dry mucous membranes signal dehydration, not hyperkalemia directly. High potassium affects cardiac and nerve function, not mucosal hydration status in renal failure.

Choice B reason: Hyperactive reflexes occur in hypocalcemia, not hyperkalemia. Excess potassium depresses nerve and muscle activity, often reducing reflexes instead of enhancing them.

Choice C reason: Trousseau’s sign indicates hypocalcemia, with carpal spasm from cuff pressure. Hyperkalemia in renal failure doesn’t trigger this; it’s a calcium issue.

Choice D reason: Irregular heart rate, like bradycardia or arrhythmias, stems from hyperkalemia’s effect on cardiac conduction. In renal failure, potassium excess disrupts rhythms critically.

Choice A reason: Epigastric pain suggests GI issues, not TIAs. In hypertension, TIAs affect cerebral vessels, causing neurological deficits, not abdominal symptoms like this.

Choice B reason: Seizures stem from cortical irritation, not typical TIA vascular occlusion. Hypertension-related TIAs produce transient deficits, not convulsive activity usually.

Choice C reason: Sudden monocular vision loss (amaurosis fugax) is a classic TIA sign in hypertension. It reflects temporary retinal artery occlusion, resolving quickly.

Choice D reason: Left arm pain mimics cardiac issues, not TIAs. Hypertension TIAs target brain circulation, causing focal deficits, not referred pain patterns.