A nurse is caring for a client who has a postoperative ileus and an NG tube that has drained 2,500 mL in the past 6 hr. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse monitor the client for?

Rationale: A. NG tube drainage usually leads to loss of gastric fluid, which is rich in hydrochloric acid and potassium, but sodium is not typically elevated. B. Magnesium loss is minimal in gastric drainage; elevation is unlikely. C. Gastric secretions contain large amounts of potassium, so prolonged NG suctioning can lead to hypokalemia, which increases the risk of muscle weakness, cardiac dysrhythmias, and fatigue. D. Calcium loss is not a direct consequence of NG tube drainage.