A nurse in a long-term care facility is reviewing a client's laboratory results. The client's potassium level is 5.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Confusion can occur with electrolyte imbalances, including hyperkalemia, but it is not the most common or specific symptom associated with elevated potassium levels. More typical symptoms are related to muscle and gastrointestinal function. B. Abdominal cramps are a common finding in clients with hyperkalemia (potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L). Elevated potassium can lead to increased gastrointestinal motility and irritability, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea. C. Positive Chvostek's sign indicates hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) and is not associated with hyperkalemia. This sign reflects increased neuromuscular excitability due to low calcium levels, so it would not be expected in this scenario. D. Decreased bowel motility is typically associated with hypokalemia (low potassium levels) rather than hyperkalemia. Elevated potassium levels can cause increased bowel motility and may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and cramping. Therefore, decreased bowel motility would not be an expected finding in this case.