A nurse is educating a client about the sympathetic nervous system. Which of the following statements is correct?

A) "Reduce intake of potassium-rich foods":
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic medication that can cause potassium loss through increased urinary excretion. Therefore, instructing the client to reduce intake of potassium-rich foods could further decrease potassium levels, leading to hypokalemia. Instead, clients taking hydrochlorothiazide should be encouraged to consume potassium-rich foods to help maintain normal potassium levels, unless otherwise instructed by their healthcare provider.

B) "Take this medication before bedtime":
While hydrochlorothiazide can be taken once daily, it is typically recommended to take it in the morning rather than before bedtime. Taking the medication earlier in the day can help minimize the need to wake up during the night to urinate, as it is a diuretic that increases urine production. Therefore, instructing the client to take hydrochlorothiazide before bedtime is not the optimal recommendation.

C) "Avoid grape juice":
There is no significant interaction between hydrochlorothiazide and grape juice. In general, grapefruit juice is known to interact with certain medications by inhibiting cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver, affecting drug metabolism. However, grape juice is not known to interact with hydrochlorothiazide, so advising the client to avoid grape juice is not necessary.

D) "Monitor for leg cramps":
This is the correct instruction. Leg cramps can be a potential side effect of hydrochlorothiazide therapy due to electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia. By monitoring for leg cramps, the client can promptly report any symptoms to their healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. This instruction promotes client safety and awareness of potential adverse effects associated with the medication."

A) Hypoxemia:
This is the correct answer. Atelectasis, which is the collapse or incomplete inflation of the lung, can lead to impaired gas exchange and subsequent hypoxemia. As lung volume decreases due to collapse, ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch occurs, resulting in decreased oxygenation of arterial blood. Hypoxemia is a common finding in individuals with atelectasis and may manifest as decreased oxygen saturation levels on pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas analysis.

B) Apnea:
Apnea, defined as the cessation of breathing, is not typically associated with atelectasis. While atelectasis can contribute to respiratory compromise and may result in respiratory distress, including tachypnea or increased work of breathing, it does not usually lead to complete cessation of breathing.

C) Pleural effusion:
A pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space surrounding the lungs. While pleural effusion may occur concurrently with atelectasis, it is not an expected finding specifically associated with atelectasis itself. Pleural effusion may cause respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea or chest pain but is not a primary manifestation of atelectasis.

D) Dysphagia:
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is unrelated to atelectasis. While dysphagia can occur as a result of various conditions affecting the esophagus or neurological control of swallowing, it is not a typical manifestation of atelectasis. Atelectasis primarily affects the lungs and respiratory function rather than swallowing function.