Question

the nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who is receiving high doses of a diuretic. when assisting with assessment, the nurse notes that the client has flat neck veins, generalized muscle weakness, and diminished deep tendon reflexes. the nurse suspects hyponatremia. what additional sign would the nurse expect to note in a client with hyponatremia? answer options: 1 muscle twitches 2 decreased urine output 3 hyperactive bowel sounds 4 increased specific gravity of the urine

Explanation:

Hyponatremia (low sodium) affects neuromuscular function. Muscle twitches are a sign of electrolyte imbalance - related neuromuscular irritability. Decreased urine output is not typical (diuretics increase output, and hyponatremia with heart failure/diuretics may have other fluid dynamics, but muscle twitches relate to sodium’s role in muscle/nerve function). Hyperactive bowel sounds aren’t a key sign here, and increased urine specific gravity isn’t directly linked to hyponatremia’s neuromuscular signs. So muscle twitches (option 1) are an expected additional sign.

Answer:

1. Muscle twitches