A patient prescribed spironolactone is demonstrating ECG changes and complaining of muscle weakness. The nurse realizes this patient is exhibiting signs of which electrolyte imbalance?

The correct answer is choice D. The client who has gastroenteritis and is febrile.

Choice A rationale:

The client with end-stage renal failure scheduled for dialysis would not be at risk for fluid volume deficit because dialysis is a treatment that removes waste, salt, and extra water to prevent them from building up in the body, keeping a safe level of certain chemicals in the blood, and controlling blood pressure.

Choice B rationale:

Being NPO (nothing by mouth) since midnight for endoscopy typically involves a short period of fasting. While it could potentially contribute to a mild fluid volume deficit, it is not as significant as other causes like vomiting or diarrhea, which can lead to more substantial fluid losses.

Choice C rationale:

A client with left-sided heart failure and an elevated BNP level is more likely to experience fluid volume overload rather than a deficit. BNP is released in response to ventricular volume expansion and pressure overload, which are indicative of heart failure, not fluid volume deficit.

Choice D rationale:

The client with gastroenteritis and a fever is at risk for fluid volume deficit due to increased fluid losses from vomiting, diarrhea, and fever-induced perspiration. These symptoms align with the common risk factors for fluid volume deficit, which include vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating.

Choice A rationale:

Fluid volume overload is an excess of fluid in the intravascular and/or interstitial spaces. One of the hallmark signs of fluid volume overload is distended neck veins, which indicates increased venous pressure due to the accumulation of fluid. The neck veins become more visible and prominent, especially when the patient is in a semi-Fowler's position.

Choice B rationale:

Poor skin turgor is a sign of dehydration, not fluid volume overload. It is characterized by the skin's inability to return to its normal position after being gently pinched. In fluid volume overload, the skin may become edematous and puffy, but it does not exhibit poor turgor.

Choice C rationale:

Concentrated hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are seen in conditions of dehydration or hemoconcentration, not in fluid volume overload. In fluid volume overload, there is excess fluid, which may lead to dilutional effects, resulting in decreased concentration of blood components.

Choice D rationale:

Decreased urine output is associated with fluid volume deficit (dehydration) rather than fluid volume overload. In fluid volume overload, there is often an increase in urine output as the body tries to eliminate the excess fluid.