A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is taking a loop diuretic and notes the client’s potassium level is 3.0 mEq/L. Which of the following physiological responses should the nurse expect related to the client’s hypokalemia?

Choice A Rationale: The correct method for cleansing the area before collecting a midstream urine specimen is to wipe from front to back, not back-and-forth. This is to avoid contamination of the specimen with bacteria from the anal area. The towelette should be used in a single stroke and then discarded to ensure cleanliness.

Choice B Rationale: Using the nondominant hand to spread the labia is a standard practice that allows the dominant hand to manipulate the collection container. This technique helps to prevent contamination of the specimen by keeping the container away from the body and ensuring a clean catch.

Choice C Rationale: It is important to start the flow of urine before collecting the specimen to ensure that the 'midstream' urine is captured. This helps to flush out any bacteria that may be present at the opening of the urethra, reducing the risk of contaminating the sample.

Choice D Rationale: The specimen container should be removed from the stream before stopping the flow of urine to avoid contamination. The initial and final parts of the urine stream can carry bacteria from the urethra and skin, so only the midstream should be collected in the container.

a. Weight gain: Hyperthyroidism is more commonly associated with weight loss due to increased metabolism.

b. Constipation: Hyperthyroidism is more likely to cause diarrhea or increased bowel movements.

c. Frequent mood changes: Hyperthyroidism can lead to mood swings, irritability, and anxiety.

d. Sensitivity to cold: Sensitivity to cold is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism.