The nurse is reviewing lab results for a client with persistent vomiting. Which assessment finding would be most concerning given a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L?

A Generalized muscle weakness

B Increased bowel sounds

C Absent deep tendon reflexes

D Hyperactive reflexes

✓ Correct Answer: Option A

Hypokalemia (potassium <3.5 mEq/L) can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and leg cramps due to impaired nerve and muscle function, which can progress to respiratory muscle weakness or dysrhythmias. Options B, C, and D are not typical signs of hypokalemia.

💡 Why is A) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "The nurse is reviewing lab results for a client with persistent vomiting. Which assessment finding would be most concerning given a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L?" is Option A: Generalized muscle weakness.

The other options — B) Increased bowel sounds, C) Absent deep tendon reflexes, D) Hyperactive reflexes — are incorrect for this NCLEX-RN Exam Prep question. As explained above: Hypokalemia (potassium

📚 About This NCLEX-RN Exam Prep Practice Question

This 3-level NCLEX-RN Exam Prep question from the Physiological Integrity topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free NCLEX-RN Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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The nurse is reviewing lab results for a client with persistent vomiting. Which assessment finding would be most concerning given a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L?

✓ Correct Answer: Option A

📚 About This NCLEX-RN Exam Prep Practice Question

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