A nurse is collecting data from a client who is receiving IV fluid replacement to treat diarrhea but now has oliguria. Laboratory results include a potassium level of 5.6 mEq/L. The nurse should report which of the following findings to the provider immediately?

Choice A Reason:

Muscle weakness is incorrect. Muscle weakness can be a symptom of hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels). However, it is not the most urgent symptom, and the provider should be informed to address the underlying cause.

Choice B Reason:

Paresthesias is incorrect. Paresthesias (tingling or numbness) can also occur with hyperkalemia. While important to assess, it may not be the most urgent symptom requiring immediate attention.

Choice C Reason:

Abdominal cramps is incorrect. Abdominal cramps can be associated with hyperkalemia, but they are not the most critical symptom. It's essential to address the underlying cause, but it may not require immediate intervention compared to other symptoms.

Choice D Reason:

Palpitations is correct. Palpitations are a concerning symptom, especially in the context of hyperkalemia. Elevated potassium levels can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, and palpitations may be indicative of serious cardiac complications. This is a critical finding that requires immediate attention from the healthcare provider.

Choice A Reason:

Pushing the skin down while gently removing the tape is incorrect. Pushing the skin while removing tape could cause unnecessary discomfort or trauma to the skin and the incision area. Gentle removal of tape without pulling the skin is recommended to avoid skin injury.

Choice B Reason:

Drying the incision with sterile gauze pads is incorrect. Generally, it's advisable not to dry the incision site with sterile gauze pads as this might cause trauma or disruption to the healing tissues. Patting the incision site dry or allowing it to air dry gently after cleansing is preferable.

Choice C Reason:

Lifting the soiled dressing so that the underside faces the client is correct. Lifting the soiled dressing in a manner that the underside faces the client helps prevent potential contamination of the wound by minimizing contact between the external surface of the dressing and the incision site. This technique reduces the risk of introducing pathogens into the wound during the dressing change.

Choice D Reason:

Cleaning around the drain site using horizontal strokes is incorrect. When cleaning around the drain site, it's typically recommended to use gentle and careful motions without specific emphasis on strokes, as this might cause friction or trauma to the area around the drain. Instead, using gentle circular motions or dabbing around the site is often advised for wound care.