A nurse is caring for a client who has the following laboratory results: potassium 3.4 mEq/L,magnesium 1.8 mEq/L,calcium 8.5 mEq/L,sodium 144 mEq/L.Which assessment should the nurse complete first?

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A client with a low serum potassium level may exhibit hypoactive bowel sounds,cardiac dysrhythmias,and muscle weakness resulting in shallow respirations and decreased handgrips.The nurse should assess the client's respiratory status first to ensure respirations are sufficient.The respiratory assessment should include rate and depth of respirations,respiratory effort,and oxygen saturation.The other assessments are important but are secondary to the client's respiratory status.

A Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Has the Following