A client reports a 2-day history of fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. The healthcare provider prescribes serum electrolyte levels to be obtained. Which laboratory results should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Serum potassium of 5.0 me/L and serum sodium of 138 me/L are within normal ranges and do not reflect the expected electrolyte imbalances due to dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.Choice B reason: Serum potassium of 4.5 me/L and serum sodium of 140 me/L are also within normal ranges. This does not reflect the typical imbalance caused by dehydration.Choice C reason: Serum potassium of 3.5 me/L and serum sodium of 142 me/L are normal values. They do not indicate the electrolyte disturbances expected with dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.Choice D reason: Serum potassium of 3.0 me/L indicates hypokalaemia (low potassium), and serum sodium of 149 me/L indicates hypernatremia (high sodium). These imbalances are expected in a client with a history of fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, as these conditions can lead to loss of potassium and concentration of sodium due to dehydration.