65. A nurse should expect that a client with a severe loss of potassium (hypokalemia) from diarrhea will have:
65. A nurse should expect that a client with a severe loss of potassium (hypokalemia) from diarrhea will have:
. Fatigue, tetany, cardiac standstill.
. Kussmaul's respirations, thirst, furrowed tongue.
. Muscle weakness, cramps, cardiac irritability.
. Confusion, pitting edema, irregular pulse.
Test-Taking Tip
Look for the effects of low potassium on muscles, including the heart.
Content Area: Adult Health, Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Analysis; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Physiological Adaptation/Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
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Answer 1 is incorrect because these findings would be consistent with hypocalcemia (low calcium). Answer 2 is incorrect because these findings would be consistent with dehydration and metabolic acidosis. Answer 3 is correct because potassium affects normal muscle function. Answer 4 is incorrect because these findings would be consistent with hypoxia and poor perfusion possibly related to cardiac failure.