The nurse is caring for a client with severe diarrhea. The nurse monitors the client closely, understanding that this client is at risk for developing which acid-base disorder?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because respiratory alkalosis is a condition where the blood pH is higher than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to hyperventilation, which lowers the carbon dioxide in the blood. Severe diarrhea does not cause hyperventilation, but rather dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because metabolic alkalosis is a condition where the blood pH is higher than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to a loss of acids or an excess of bases in the body. Severe diarrhea does not cause a loss of acids or an excess of bases, but rather a loss of fluids and bicarbonate, which is a base that buffers the acids in the blood.

Choice C reason: This is correct because metabolic acidosis is a condition where the blood pH is lower than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to an excess of acids or a loss of bases in the body. Severe diarrhea causes a loss of fluids and bicarbonate, which is a base that buffers the acids in the blood. This leads to an accumulation of acids and a decrease in pH.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because respiratory acidosis is a condition where the blood pH is lower than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to impaired gas exchange or hypoventilation, which causes carbon dioxide to accumulate in the blood. Severe diarrhea does not affect the respiratory system directly, but rather the metabolic system.

Choice A reason: One slice of wheat bread is not the best source of potassium, as it contains only about 70 mg of potassium per serving. The recommended daily intake of potassium for adults is 4,700 mg.

Choice B reason: One wedge of cantaloupe is a good source of potassium, as it contains about 430 mg of potassium per serving. However, it is not the best source of potassium among the choices given.

Choice C reason: One banana is the best source of potassium among the choices given, as it contains about 420 mg of potassium per serving. Bananas are also rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

Choice D reason: One slice of cheddar cheese is not the best source of potassium, as it contains only about 28 mg of potassium per serving. Cheese is also high in sodium, fat, and calories, which can have negative effects on blood pressure and cholesterol levels.