A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has hypokalemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason:

Monitoring neurological status is a priority intervention for a client who has overhydration and hyponatremia because these conditions can cause cerebral edema, increased intracranial pressure, and altered mental status. The nurse should assess the client for signs of confusion, lethargy, seizures, and coma, and report any changes to the provider.

Choice B reason:

Administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate is not indicated for a client who has overhydration and hyponatremia. This medication is used to treat hyperkalemia by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestine. It has no effect on sodium levels or fluid balance.

Choice C reason:

Providing oral hygiene frequently is a supportive intervention for a client who has overhydration and hyponatremia, but it is not a priority. Oral hygiene can help prevent dry mouth, infections, and discomfort caused by fluid retention and electrolyte imbalance. However, it does not address the underlying causes or complications of the disorder.

Choice D reason:

Restricting sodium intake as prescribed is an essential intervention for a client who has overhydration and hyponatremia. Sodium intake can affect the serum sodium level and the fluid balance in the body. Excessive sodium intake can worsen fluid retention and edema, while inadequate sodium intake can exacerbate hyponatremia. The nurse should follow the provider's orders regarding sodium restriction and educate the client on how to avoid high-sodium foods and beverages.

Choice E reason:

Encouraging foods high in protein is not appropriate for a client who has overhydration and hyponatremia. Protein intake can affect the serum osmolality and the fluid distribution in the body. High-protein foods can increase the osmotic pressure in the blood vessels, drawing more fluid from the interstitial and intracellular spaces. This can worsen overhydration and hyponatremia by diluting the serum sodium level further. The nurse should consult with a dietitian regarding the optimal protein intake for the client.

Choice A reason:

Decreased thirst. This is a sign of improvement because hypernatremia causes increased thirst due to high sodium levels in the blood. Decreased thirst indicates that the fluid therapy has restored the normal balance of sodium and water in the body.

Choice B reason:

Increased urine output. This is a sign of improvement because hypernatremia can cause decreased urine output due to dehydration or kidney dysfunction. Increased urine output indicates that the fluid therapy has replenished the body's water and helped the kidneys excrete excess sodium.

Choice C reason:

Decreased serum sodium level. This is a sign of improvement because hypernatremia is defined as a serum sodium level higher than 145 mEq/L. Decreased serum sodium level indicates that the fluid therapy has diluted the blood and lowered the sodium concentration to within the normal range.

Choice D reason:

Increased level of consciousness. This is a sign of improvement because hypernatremia can cause confusion, lethargy, or coma due to the effects of high sodium levels on the brain. Increased level of consciousness indicates that the fluid therapy has improved the brain function and reduced the risk of brain injury.

Choice E reason:

Decreased edema. This is not a sign of improvement because hypernatremia does not cause edema, which is the accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces. Edema is more likely to occur in conditions such as hypervolemia (excess fluid volume) or hyponatremia (low sodium levels) Decreased edema may indicate that the fluid therapy has caused fluid overload or electrolyte imbalance, which can be harmful.