Final answer:
In a patient with hypokalemia, a nurse should expect to observe hypoactive bowel sounds, as low potassium can decrease intestinal motility.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asked about the assessment findings a nurse should expect in a patient with a potassium level of three, indicating hypokalemia. Among the listed options, hypoactive bowel sounds are indicative of low potassium levels. Hypokalemia can lead to decreased motility of the intestines, resulting in hypoactive or diminished bowel sounds. The other listed symptoms, such as a Positive Trousseau sign, are more related to hypocalcemia, and +4 deep tendon reflexes and deep respirations are not specific to hypokalemia.
A potassium level of three indicates hypokalemia, which is a low potassium level in the bloodstream. One of the assessment findings the nurse should expect is hyperactive deep tendon reflexes (+4). This is because low potassium levels can disrupt the normal functioning of nerve impulses and lead to increased reflexes. The other options are not typically associated with hypokalemia. The Trousseau sign is a sign of hypocalcemia, deep respirations are commonly seen in metabolic acidosis, and hypoactive bowel sounds suggest gastrointestinal issues.