A nurse is assessing a client who has hypokalemia as a result of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Hyperactive bowel sounds: Hypokalemia leads to decreased gastrointestinal motility, which causes hypoactive or absent bowel sounds rather than hyperactive ones. Hyperactive bowel sounds are more commonly associated with diarrhea or early stages of gastrointestinal upset. B. Extreme thirst: Extreme thirst is more characteristic of conditions like hypernatremia or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. While dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea may cause some thirst, it is not a primary finding of hypokalemia itself. C. Weak, irregular pulse: Low potassium levels impair cardiac muscle function, leading to arrhythmias, irregular rhythms, and weak pulses. This is one of the most significant clinical findings in hypokalemia due to its potential to progress to life-threatening dysrhythmias. D. Hyperactive reflexes: Hypokalemia is associated with muscle weakness, cramps, and diminished reflexes rather than hyperactivity. Low potassium disrupts neuromuscular transmission, resulting in slowed responses and muscle fatigue.