Question

Mr. K.W. is 72-year-olds of age and has had vomiting and diarrhea for 2 days. He takes digoxin 0.25 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg daily. His serum potassium level is 3.2 mEq/L He complains of being dizzy, and his blood pressure is slightly lower than usual. The nurse assesses his physiologic status and notes that his muscles are weak and flabby, his abdomen is distended, and peristalsis is diminished.

What signs and symptoms indicate that Mr. K.W. is in potassium imbalance?

Answer 1

Mr. K.W. shows symptoms of hypokalemia, characterized by muscle weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure, which are due to his low serum potassium level, likely resulting from vomiting and diarrhea.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mr. K.W.'s signs and symptoms indicate that he is in potassium imbalance, specifically hypokalemia, which is an abnormally low potassium blood level. The symptoms that suggest hypokalemia include muscle weakness and flabbiness, dizziness, lower blood pressure than usual, abdominal distension, and diminished peristalsis. His serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L is below the normal range (typically 3.5-5.0 mEq/L), supporting this diagnosis. Vomiting and diarrhea are common causes of potassium loss leading to hypokalemia, which can be dangerous as potassium is essential for proper heart and muscle function.