In a patient with end-stage renal disease, a nurse should suspect hyperkalemia when the patient is observed to be

Question

Certilyst · Accepted Answer

A Rationale: A patient with end-stage renal disease may present with hyperkalemia when observed to be extremely weak. Muscle weakness is a common symptom of elevated potassium levels, as hyperkalemia can disrupt normal neuromuscular function.

The other options do not directly indicate hyperkalemia.

Increasingly anorexic patients may experience decreased appetite due to various factors associated with renal disease, but this is not a specific indicator of elevated potassium levels.

Craving salty foods is typically associated with sodium deficiency or dehydration, rather than hyperkalemia. Patients with renal failure often limit sodium intake, making this choice irrelevant.

Complaining of double vision could suggest neurological issues or other electrolyte imbalances but is not a classical symptom of hyperkalemia, thus making it an incorrect choice.

Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse CHPN Exam Review

In a patient with end-stage renal disease, a nurse should suspect hyperkalemia when the patient is observed to be