Question

The nurse reviews the laboratory test results of a client and notes that the client's potassium level is elevated. What would the nurse expect to find when assessing the client's gastrointestinal system?

Answer 1

Hyperkalemia, or elevated potassium levels in the blood, can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and intestinal colic due to the effect on smooth muscle contraction and overall cellular function.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would likely expect gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and intestinal colic when a client's potassium level is elevated, a condition known as hyperkalemia.

Hyperkalemia can impair various bodily systems including the gastrointestinal system. Elevated levels of potassium in the blood or extracellular fluid (ECF) can alter the normal function of cells, potentially causing gastrointestinal symptoms by affecting smooth muscle contraction and leading to issues like nausea or vomiting. Additionally, because potassium helps regulate muscle contractions, an imbalance could result in colicky abdominal pain due to disturbed smooth muscle function in the gastrointestinal tract.

Since the small intestine is responsible for the absorption of electrolytes, including potassium, active transport mechanisms are essential for maintaining proper electrolyte balance. In cases of hyperkalemia, gastrointestinal symptoms can form part of the clinical presentation, alerting healthcare professionals to this electrolyte imbalance.