A nurse is gathering information from a patient who has been experiencing diarrhea for several days.
What symptoms should the nurse anticipate?

Choice A rationale:

Tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate, is not typically an adverse effect of oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy is often used to help people with conditions like COPD, COVID-19, emphysema, and sleep apnea get enough oxygen to function and stay well. While tachycardia can be a symptom of these conditions, it is not directly caused by the oxygen therapy itself.

Choice B rationale:

Cracks in the oral mucous membranes can indeed be an adverse effect of oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy involves the delivery of highly concentrated oxygen, which can cause irritation and dryness in the airways, including the oral mucous membranes. This can lead to cracks and discomfort in the mouth. Therefore, it’s important for healthcare providers to monitor patients receiving oxygen therapy for signs of this adverse effect.

Excessive pulmonary secretions are not typically a direct adverse effect of oxygen therapy. While conditions that often require oxygen therapy, such as pneumonia and COPD, can lead to increased pulmonary secretions, these are symptoms of the underlying disease rather than the oxygen therapy itself.

Choice D rationale:

Poor skin turgor is not typically an adverse effect of oxygen therapy. Skin turgor refers to the elasticity of the skin, and poor skin turgor is often a sign of dehydration. While oxygen therapy can cause dryness of the mucous membranes, it does not typically affect the hydration status of the skin.

The correct answer is: B. Decreased deep tendon reflexes.

Choice A rationale: Wheezing is not typically associated with hyperkalemia. It is more commonly related to respiratory conditions.

Choice B rationale: Hyperkalemia can cause decreased deep tendon reflexes due to the effect of high potassium levels on nerve conduction and muscle function.

Choice C rationale: Hypoactive bowel sounds are not a common sign of hyperkalemia. They are more often associated with gastrointestinal issues.

Choice D rationale: Cerebral edema is not related to hyperkalemia. It is usually associated with conditions affecting the brain, such as trauma or infections.