The client has been admitted to the hospital with a cerebrovascular accident. The client's potassium level is 3.2 mmol/L. As the nurse assesses the client, which of the following are expected findings? (Select all that apply.)
1. Complaints of muscle weakness
2. Serum glucose level is 225 mg/dL
3. Increased serum calcium levels
4. Hypotension
5. Normal sinus rhythm
1, 2
Rationale: Clients with potassium levels less than 3.5 mmol/L have severe hypokalemia. Clients with hypokalemia have a higher risk for suffering from a stroke and developing hypertension. These clients will most often complain of muscle weakness. They can easily develop hypocalcemia as a result of losing calcium in their urine due to the hypokalemia. Reduced potassium levels alter the capacity of the pancreas to secrete insulin, so glucose levels increase. Their blood pressure will increase and their heart rhythm may become erratic.
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