A nurse is planning care for a client who has dementia and lives at home. Which of the following physiological changes should the nurse educate the client and family to monitor?

Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) refers to a situation in which an electrocardiogram (ECG) shows electrical activity in the heart, but there is no effective mechanical activity and no palpable pulse. PEA can result from various underlying conditions that impair cardiac function or compromise circulation.

A. Hypertension: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not typically a direct cause of PEA. While uncontrolled hypertension can contribute to cardiovascular disease and increase the risk of cardiac events such as myocardial infarction, it is not a direct cause of PEA.

B. Hypovolemia: Hypovolemia, or low blood volume, is a common cause of PEA. Reduced circulating blood volume leads to decreased preload and inadequate filling of the heart chambers, impairing cardiac output. This can result in ineffective cardiac contractions and the development of PEA.

C. Hypoxia: Hypoxia, or inadequate oxygenation of tissues, is a significant cause of PEA. Insufficient oxygen delivery to the myocardium impairs cardiac function and can lead to ineffective cardiac contractions. Without adequate oxygenation, the heart is unable to generate sufficient mechanical force to maintain circulation, resulting in PEA.

D. Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia, or elevated levels of potassium in the blood, can cause PEA by disrupting cardiac electrical activity. Excessive potassium ions in the extracellular fluid alter the normal myocardial action potential, leading to cardiac conduction abnormalities and potential arrhythmias, including PEA.

E. Hypernatremia: Hypernatremia, or elevated levels of sodium in the blood, is not typically a direct cause of PEA. While severe hypernatremia can lead to neurological symptoms and dehydration, it does not directly impair cardiac electrical activity or mechanical function to the extent that it causes PEA.

F. Hyperthermia: Hyperthermia, or elevated body temperature, is not typically a direct cause of PEA. While extreme hyperthermia can lead to cardiovascular complications such as heat stroke, it is not a common cause of PEA unless it is associated with severe systemic metabolic derangements.

A. "I can't see anything from the sides of my eyes." This statement suggests a visual field deficit, which may be indicative of conditions affecting peripheral vision, such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, or optic nerve disorders. It is not a typical symptom of cataracts.

B. "My vision is almost gone from the center part of my eye." This statement indicates a central visual impairment, which is a common symptom of cataracts. Cataracts cause clouding of the lens, leading to blurred or dimmed vision, especially in the center of the visual field. This symptom often progresses gradually over time.

C. "My contact lenses just don't fit like they used to." This statement suggests discomfort or fit issues with contact lenses and is not specifically indicative of cataracts. It may be related to changes in the shape or health of the cornea, conjunctiva, or tear film.

D. "I keep seeing flashes of lights moving around in my eye." Flashes of light in the visual field are not typical symptoms of cataracts. They may indicate other ocular conditions such as vitreous detachment, migraines with aura, or retinal disorders.