The nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with Addison's disease for signs of hyperkalemia. What should the nurse observe with this electrolyte imbalance?

Choice A reason: Prolonged bleeding is not a direct indicator of hyperkalemia. It is more commonly associated with coagulation disorders or conditions affecting blood clotting.

Choice B reason: Dry mucous membranes are more indicative of dehydration rather than hyperkalemia. Dehydration can result from a variety of conditions but is not specific to high potassium levels.

Choice C reason: Peaked T-waves on an electrocardiogram (ECG) are a classic sign of hyperkalemia. Elevated potassium levels affect the cardiac conduction system, leading to characteristic changes in the ECG, such as tall, peaked T-waves, widened QRS complexes, and flattened P-waves.

Choice D reason: Polyuria (excessive urination) is not typically associated with hyperkalemia. It is more commonly seen in conditions like diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus.

Choice A reason: A patient with a new-onset of confusion and restlessness is a priority because these symptoms could indicate a serious condition such as hypoxia, electrolyte imbalance, or a neurological event like a stroke. These changes in mental status need to be evaluated immediately to prevent further complications.

Choice B reason: Dizziness after receiving captopril (Capoten) can be a side effect of the medication due to its blood pressure-lowering effects. While it should be monitored, it is not as urgent as the new-onset confusion and restlessness seen in another patient.

Choice C reason: A patient requiring oxygen via nasal cannula with saturations of 97% is stable as the oxygen saturation is within normal limits. This patient does not need to be prioritized over others with more acute symptoms.

Choice D reason: A patient who has received digoxin and has a blood pressure of 100/56 should be monitored, especially for signs of digoxin toxicity. However, this situation is not as critical as the new-onset confusion and restlessness in another patient.