A patient is being admitted with a diagnosis of Cushing syndrome. Which findings will the nurse expect during the assessment?

Choice A reason: This statement is true. Kayexalate is a medication that binds to potassium in the colon and exchanges it for sodium, thereby lowering the blood potassium level. It also has a laxative effect, which helps to eliminate the excess potassium in the stool.

Choice B reason: This statement is false. Kayexalate does not have a diuretic effect, which means it does not increase urine output or fluid loss. Diuretics are medications that act on the kidneys and help to remove excess fluid and sodium from the body.

Choice C reason: This statement is false. Kayexalate does not lower the blood sodium level, but rather increases it. This is because it exchanges potassium for sodium in the colon, which adds more sodium to the bloodstream.

Choice D reason: This statement is false. Kayexalate does not cause diarrhea, but rather a laxative effect, which means it stimulates bowel movements and softens the stool. Diarrhea is a condition where the stool is watery and frequent, and can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Choice A reason: A serum potassium level of 5.6 mEq/L is not a common side effect of furosemide, but of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is a condition where the blood potassium level is too high. It can cause muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, and cardiac arrest. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases the urinary excretion of water, sodium, chloride, and potassium. It can cause hypokalemia, which is a low blood potassium level, not hyperkalemia.

Choice B reason: A serum sodium level of 142 mEq/L is not a common side effect of furosemide, but of normal sodium level. The normal range of serum sodium level is 135 to 145 mEq/L. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the fluid balance, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions in the body. Furosemide can cause hyponatremia, which is a low blood sodium level, but not a normal sodium level.

Choice C reason: A serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L is also not a common side effect of furosemide, but of normal sodium level. As explained in choice B, the normal range of serum sodium level is 135 to 145 mEq/L. Furosemide can cause hyponatremia, which is a low blood sodium level, but not a normal sodium level.

Choice D reason: A serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L is a common side effect of furosemide, and of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is a condition where the blood potassium level is too low. It can cause muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, arrhythmias, and paralysis. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases the urinary excretion of water, sodium, chloride, and potassium. It can cause hypokalemia, which is a low blood potassium level. The nurse should monitor the client's serum potassium level and signs of hypokalemia, and advise the client to eat potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, oranges, and potatoes. The nurse should also report the lab value to the prescriber, who may adjust the dose of furosemide or prescribe a potassium supplement.