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Hypertension is not directly caused by hypokalemia. While potassium levels can influence blood pressure, hypokalemia is more critically associated with cardiac issues rather than hypertension alone.

Ketosis is a metabolic state resulting from the body burning fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. It is not directly related to hypokalemia. Hypokalemia does not cause ketosis, and monitoring for ketosis in a client with hypokalemia is not a priority.

Insulin resistance is a condition where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin. While potassium levels can affect insulin secretion and action, hypokalemia is not primarily associated with insulin resistance. Therefore, it is not the main concern for a nurse monitoring a client with hypokalemia.

B: Encouraging Increased Mobility While physical activity is generally beneficial for overall health, it must be approached cautiously in patients with heart failure. Encouraging increased mobility without proper medical guidance can lead to overexertion and exacerbate heart failure symptoms. Exercise programs for heart failure patients should be tailored and supervised by healthcare professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness. Therefore, this choice is not as immediately critical as dietary and fluid restrictions.

C: Cessation of Hormonal Supplements Hormonal supplements can have various effects on the cardiovascular system, but their cessation is not a standard recommendation for all heart failure patients. The impact of hormonal supplements depends on the specific type and the patient’s overall health condition. This choice is less relevant compared to dietary and fluid restrictions, which have a direct and significant impact on heart failure management.

D: Cessation of Intravenous (IV) Drug Use Cessation of intravenous drug use is important for overall health and preventing infections, but it is not specific to heart failure management. While IV drug use can lead to complications that may affect the heart, it is not a primary lifestyle modification recommended for heart failure patients. The focus should be on managing fluid balance and dietary intake

Metabolic alkalosis is a condition characterized by an elevated pH in body tissues, typically due to an excess of bicarbonate or a loss of hydrogen ions. This condition is not associated with Kussmaul breathing. Kussmaul breathing is a deep and labored breathing pattern often seen in patients with metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis. In metabolic alkalosis, the body does not need to expel excess acid through rapid breathing, so Kussmaul respirations are not observed.

Respiratory alkalosis is a condition where there is a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood due to excessive breathing or hyperventilation. This condition leads to an increase in blood pH, making it more alkaline. Kussmaul breathing is not associated with respiratory alkalosis because it is a response to metabolic acidosis, not a condition where the body is already expelling too much carbon dioxide.

Respiratory acidosis is a condition where there is an excess of carbon dioxide in the blood due to inadequate respiration. This leads to a decrease in blood pH, making it more acidic. While respiratory acidosis involves an acidic environment, Kussmaul breathing is specifically a response to metabolic acidosis, not respiratory acidosis. In respiratory acidosis, the body would not use Kussmaul respirations as a compensatory mechanism.

B Reason: Loss of pigmentation over the shin area is not typically associated with peripheral venous disease. This symptom is more commonly seen in conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), where prolonged venous hypertension leads to skin changes, including hyperpigmentation and lipodermatosclerosis. However, it is not a primary manifestation of PVD itself.

C Reason: A shiny appearance to the lower extremities is more commonly associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) rather than peripheral venous disease. In PAD, reduced blood flow to the extremities can cause the skin to become thin, shiny, and hairless. This is due to the lack of oxygen and nutrients reaching the skin and underlying tissues. In contrast, PVD primarily affects the veins and does not typically cause these skin changes.

D Reason: Diminished hair growth on the lower extremities is another symptom more commonly associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). In PAD, the reduced blood flow to the extremities can lead to hair loss, as the hair follicles do not receive adequate oxygen and nutrients. Peripheral venous disease, on the other hand, does not usually cause hair loss. Instead, it is characterized by symptoms related to venous insufficiency, such as varicose veins, swelling, and skin changes.