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?

a. Neck vein distention: Neck vein distention may indicate fluid overload, but it is not a direct measure of fluid losses.

b. Body weight: Monitoring body weight before and after hemodialysis provides a direct

measure of fluid losses. Hemodialysis removes excess fluid, and changes in body weight reflect fluid balance.

c. Abdominal girth: Abdominal girth may be affected by fluid accumulation but is not a direct measure of fluid losses during hemodialysis.

d. Blood pressure: While blood pressure may be influenced by fluid status, it is not a specific measure of fluid losses during hemodialysis. Body weight is a more direct indicator of fluid removal.

a. Position the client on the nonoperative side: The client should be positioned on the operative side to facilitate expansion of the remaining lung.

b. Monitor respiratory status every 8 hr: Postoperative respiratory status should be monitored more frequently than every 8 hours to assess for complications, especially in the initial

postoperative period.

c. Elevate the head of the bed to a 15° angle: The head of the bed should be elevated to a higher angle (usually 30-45 degrees) to promote optimal lung expansion and reduce the risk of

complications such as atelectasis.

d. Encourage the client to splint the incision when coughing: Encouraging the client to splint the incision when coughing helps minimize pain and supports effective coughing to prevent

complications such as atelectasis.