A patient with chronic kidney disease is being examined.
Which symptom is indicative of hyperkalemia?

Choice A rationale:

Tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate, is not typically an adverse effect of oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy is often used to help people with conditions like COPD, COVID-19, emphysema, and sleep apnea get enough oxygen to function and stay well. While tachycardia can be a symptom of these conditions, it is not directly caused by the oxygen therapy itself.

Choice B rationale:

Cracks in the oral mucous membranes can indeed be an adverse effect of oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy involves the delivery of highly concentrated oxygen, which can cause irritation and dryness in the airways, including the oral mucous membranes. This can lead to cracks and discomfort in the mouth. Therefore, it’s important for healthcare providers to monitor patients receiving oxygen therapy for signs of this adverse effect.

Excessive pulmonary secretions are not typically a direct adverse effect of oxygen therapy. While conditions that often require oxygen therapy, such as pneumonia and COPD, can lead to increased pulmonary secretions, these are symptoms of the underlying disease rather than the oxygen therapy itself.

Choice D rationale:

Poor skin turgor is not typically an adverse effect of oxygen therapy. Skin turgor refers to the elasticity of the skin, and poor skin turgor is often a sign of dehydration. While oxygen therapy can cause dryness of the mucous membranes, it does not typically affect the hydration status of the skin.

The correct answers are Choices A and C.

Choice A rationale: Ignoring the urge to defecate can lead to constipation because the longer stool remains in the colon, the more water is absorbed from it, making it harder and more difficult to pass. This can lead to a cycle of further constipation and discomfort.

Choice B rationale: Increased fiber in the diet usually helps prevent constipation by adding bulk to the stool and making it easier to pass. Therefore, it is not a cause of constipation, but rather a preventive measure.

Choice C rationale: Excessive laxative use can lead to dependence on laxatives for bowel movements and can disrupt normal bowel function. Over time, this can lead to constipation as the bowel becomes less responsive to normal stimuli.

Choice D rationale: Increased activity generally helps to prevent constipation by stimulating bowel motility. Physical exercise can enhance the efficiency of the digestive system, so it is not a cause of constipation.