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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A heart murmur is a common finding in clients who have mitral valve stenosis. It is a sound produced by turbulent blood flow through the narrowed valve. The murmur is usually heard as a low-pitched rumbling sound during diastole.
Choice B reason: Bradycardia is not a typical finding in clients who have mitral valve stenosis. Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, usually below 60 beats per minute. Mitral valve stenosis can cause tachycardia, which is a fast heart rate, due to increased cardiac workload and reduced cardiac output.
Choice C reason: Clubbing of the fingers is not a sign of mitral valve stenosis. Clubbing is a deformity of the fingertips and nails that occurs due to chronic hypoxia. Mitral valve stenosis can cause pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary edema, which can impair gas exchange, but not to the extent of causing clubbing.
Choice D reason: Barrel chest is not a sign of mitral valve stenosis. Barrel chest is a condition where the chest is enlarged and rounded due to chronic lung disease. Mitral valve stenosis can affect the lungs by increasing the pressure in the pulmonary circulation, but it does not cause structural changes in the chest wall.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.
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