A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for doxepin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Muscle weakness: Hyperkalemia disrupts normal muscle cell function by affecting membrane excitability, leading to symptoms like muscle weakness or even paralysis in severe cases. It is one of the hallmark signs of elevated potassium levels.
B. Oliguria: While hyperkalemia may be associated with renal impairment, oliguria is not a direct manifestation of high potassium but rather a possible contributing factor. It is not specific to hyperkalemia itself.
C. Hypoactive bowel sounds: Increased potassium levels typically cause hyperactivity of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to hyperactive bowel sounds and cramping, not reduced or hypoactive activity.
D. Hypertension: Hyperkalemia more commonly results in hypotension due to its effects on cardiac conduction and vasculature. Hypertension is not a typical manifestation of elevated serum potassium.

A. “I wear a hat and long sleeves while I am working.”: This suggests protective behavior that reduces the risk of sun exposure, heat-related illnesses, and contact with harmful agricultural chemicals, indicating awareness of occupational safety.
B. “I am currently sharing my home with two roommates.”: Although crowded living conditions can increase transmission risk of communicable diseases, this alone is not immediately indicative of a health hazard without other factors like poor sanitation.
C. “I eat vegetables directly from the field where I work.”: Consuming unwashed produce in the field exposes individuals to pesticide residues, soil contaminants, and pathogens, posing a significant health risk that requires immediate education and intervention.
D. “My home has running water and electricity.”: Access to clean water and electricity supports good hygiene and safe food preparation, which are positive indicators of living conditions that help reduce health risks.