Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The patient's symptoms of disorientation, weakness, irregular pulse, and the fact that they are taking hydrochlorothiazide are indicative of hypokalemia, which is a condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic medication that can cause potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia. Symptoms of hypokalemia can include weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeats, and mental confusion. Hypernatremia is an elevated sodium level in the blood; hyperkalemia is an elevated potassium level in the blood; and hyponatremia is a decreased sodium level in the blood, which are not consistent with the patient's symptoms and medication use.