Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 89%
Simulated
A nurse is assessing a client with profuse vomiting and diarrhea. Which finding is a manifestation of hypokalemia?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Muscle weakness. Hypokalemia is a condition characterized by low potassium levels in the blood, which can lead to muscle weakness due to impaired muscle function. Potassium is essential for proper muscle contraction and a deficiency can result in muscle weakness.
A: Hyperactive bowel sounds are more commonly associated with hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia.
C: Increased thirst is not a specific manifestation of hypokalemia.
D: Cerebral edema is not a typical finding in hypokalemia.
In summary, muscle weakness is a common manifestation of hypokalemia due to the role of potassium in muscle function. The other choices are not typically associated with hypokalemia.
A: Hyperactive bowel sounds are more commonly associated with hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia.
C: Increased thirst is not a specific manifestation of hypokalemia.
D: Cerebral edema is not a typical finding in hypokalemia.
In summary, muscle weakness is a common manifestation of hypokalemia due to the role of potassium in muscle function. The other choices are not typically associated with hypokalemia.