A patient has been experiencing diarrhea for several days. What should the nurse assess to determine if adverse effects are occurring within this patient?

Select all that apply.

1. skin turgor
2. muscle tone
3. serum potassium level
4. serum magnesium level
5. orthostatic blood pressure


Correct Answer: 1, 3, 4, 5
Diarrhea can have devastating effects. Water and electrolytes are lost in diarrheal stool. This can lead to dehydration. With severe diarrhea, potassium and magnesium are lost, potentially leading to hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia Monitor orthostatic vital signs and skin turgor to identify and respond to possible adverse effects of diarrhea. Muscle tone will not help identify possible adverse effects of diarrhea.

Nursing

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