A nurse is collecting data on a client who has diarrhea. Which of the following findings is a manifestation of hypokalemia?

Hypertension

Cerebral edema

Muscle weakness

Hyperactive bowel sounds

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Spinach is a good source of potassium, but not the best. According to the USDA, one cup of cooked spinach contains 839 mg of potassium, which is about 18% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for adults².

Choice B reason: Baked potato is the best source of potassium among the choices. According to the USDA, one medium baked potato with skin contains 941 mg of potassium, which is about 20% of the RDI for adults². Potassium is an essential mineral that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve and muscle function, and blood pressure.

Choice C reason: Banana is a popular source of potassium, but not the best. According to the USDA, one medium banana contains 422 mg of potassium, which is about 9% of the RDI for adults².

Choice D reason: Cheese is a poor source of potassium. According to the USDA, one ounce of cheddar cheese contains only 28 mg of potassium, which is less than 1% of the RDI for adults². Cheese is high in sodium, which can counteract the benefits of potassium and increase the risk of hypertension.

A. You should expect your stoma to be a purple color. B. Your colostomy will not produce formed stool. C. The end of the stoma will be painful after this procedure. D. You will have a stoma in your left lower abdomen.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: You should not expect your stoma to be a purple color. A purple stoma indicates ischemia or necrosis, which are serious complications that require immediate medical attention. A healthy stoma should be pink or red and moist.

Choice B reason: Your colostomy will produce formed stool, depending on the location of the colostomy. A sigmoid colostomy is located in the lower part of the large intestine, where most of the water is absorbed from the stool. Therefore, the stool from a sigmoid colostomy will be more solid and regular than from other types of colostomies.

Choice C reason: The end of the stoma will not be painful after this procedure. The stoma is made from the lining of the intestine, which does not have nerve endings that sense pain. However, the skin around the stoma may be sore or irritated from the surgery or the appliance.

Choice D reason: You will have a stoma in your left lower abdomen. A sigmoid colostomy is created by bringing the end of the sigmoid colon, which is the last segment of the large intestine, through an opening in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen. The stoma is then attached to the skin and covered with an appliance that collects the stool.

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A nurse is collecting data on a client who has diarrhea. Which of the following findings is a manifestation of hypokalemia?

Choice A: Hypertension

Choice B: Cerebral Edema

Choice C: Muscle Weakness

Choice D: Hyperactive Bowel Sounds

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is at risk for hypokalemia. The nurse should instruct the client that which of the following foods is the best source of potassium?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assisting with teaching a client who is preoperative for a sigmoid colostomy. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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