The nurse is assessing internal variables that influence a client's health care beliefs and practices. As part of this assessment, the nurse should consider the client's:

B. This question is also inclusive as it does not assume the client's sexual orientation or relationship status. It allows the client to disclose their current relationship status, whether they are in a relationship with a partner of the same or different gender, or if they are single.

A. This question uses assumes the client's gender and sexual orientation.

C. This question assumes a heterosexual relationship and also implies traditional gender roles. It may not be inclusive as it assumes that the client has a wife and further stereotypes the role of a wife as a cook.

D. This question assumes a heterosexual relationship and may not be inclusive of clients who do not have husbands or who are in same-sex relationships. It also reinforces traditional gender roles by assuming that a husband is the primary breadwinner or has a defined occupation.

A. Hyperkalemia can have significant cardiac effects, potentially leading to life-threatening arrhythmias such as bradycardia, heart block, ventricular tachycardia, or ventricular fibrillation. As potassium levels rise, it affects the electrical conduction of the heart, leading to changes in the ECG (electrocardiogram) and potentially causing fatal arrhythmias.

B. While hyperkalemia primarily affects the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal symptoms can also occur. These may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. However, these symptoms are typically less severe compared to cardiac manifestations. Monitoring for gastrointestinal symptoms helps in assessing overall clinical status but is not as critical as assessing cardiac function in the context of hyperkalemia.

C. Respiratory symptoms are not typically associated with hyperkalemia unless severe acid-base disturbances are present. Potassium imbalance itself does not directly affect respiratory function. Therefore, while it is important to assess respiratory status in any client, it is not the priority in the context of hyperkalemia.

D. Hyperkalemia can affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, tingling sensations, and even paralysis in severe cases. However, neurologic symptoms usually occur at higher potassium levels or in the presence of significant electrolyte imbalances affecting nerve function.

Monitoring for neurologic symptoms is important but is generally secondary to assessing cardiac status in the context of approaching severe hyperkalemia.