A patient has been admitted to the postsurgical nursing unit after surgery. The health care provider has ordered the patient to have an IV of 0.9 sodium chloride. The nurse who is caring for the patient recognizes this as what type of solution?

D. Muscle weakness is a hallmark sign of hypokalemia. Potassium is crucial for proper muscle contraction, and low levels can impair muscle function. This weakness can affect skeletal muscles (resulting in fatigue, cramps, or generalized weakness) as well as smooth muscles (contributing to constipation or other gastrointestinal symptoms).

A. Hypokalemia is not typically associated with hyperactive bowel sounds.

B. Cerebral edema is not typically associated with hypokalemia. Instead, cerebral edema can occur with conditions such as hyponatremia (low sodium levels) or other metabolic disturbances.

C. Hypokalemia is more commonly associated with hypotension (low blood pressure) rather than hypertension. Low potassium levels can affect vascular smooth muscle tone, potentially leading to vasodilation and hypotension.

A. IV solutions and administration sets should typically be changed every 48 to 72 hours to reduce the risk of contamination and infection. This interval helps prevent the buildup of bacteria in the solution and tubing, which could lead to bloodstream infections (BSIs).

B. Checking the client's IV site every is also important for monitoring for signs of infection, infiltration, or phlebitis. However, every 8 hours is too frequent and unnecessary

C. IV tubing should be changed every 72 hours not every 96 hours. Prolonging the use of IV tubing beyond this timeframe increases the risk of bacterial contamination and infection.

D. Transparent dressings are usually changed every 5 to 7 days, or sooner if they become soiled or compromised.