The nurse receives report that the patient's potassium is 5.9 (normal 3.5-5). Which assessment findings should the nurse expect?

A. Decreased level of consciousness: Hyperkalemia can cause neuromuscular effects such as weakness or paresthesia, but altered mental status is not a typical early finding. Severe hyperkalemia may eventually affect CNS function indirectly through cardiac compromise, but decreased consciousness is less specific and usually occurs in advanced cases. B. Leg cramps: Muscle cramps are more commonly associated with hypokalemia rather than hyperkalemia. Elevated potassium levels tend to decrease neuromuscular excitability initially, which can lead to weakness or flaccid paralysis instead of cramping. C. Frequent urination: Hyperkalemia does not directly cause polyuria. Urinary changes may occur secondary to renal dysfunction if the hyperkalemia is related to kidney disease, but frequent urination is not a direct manifestation of elevated serum potassium. D. Tall peaked T waves on ECG: Hyperkalemia increases cardiac cell membrane excitability, leading to characteristic ECG changes. Early ECG findings include tall, narrow, peaked T waves, especially in precordial leads. Recognizing these changes is critical, as progressive hyperkalemia can lead to widening QRS complexes, ventricular arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest.