A home care client reports weakness and leg cramps. Per order, the nurse draws blood and requests a potassium level. What is the rationale for this request?
A) The nurse is concerned that the client's diet has caused sodium loss.
B) The nurse recognizes these symptoms of hypokalemia.
C) The client is actively seeking increased attention.
D) The client had bananas and orange juice for breakfast.
Ans: B
Hypokalemia is a potassium deficit in the ECF. When the ECF potassium falls, potassium moves out of the cells, creating an intracellular potassium deficiency. Typical symptoms include muscle weakness and leg cramps.
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