When caring for clients with hypokalemia who are scheduled to receive intravenous potassium, it is critical for nurses to closely monitor specific signs and symptoms that could indicate worsening conditions or contraindications to therapy. One key assessment that demands immediate notification of the primary healthcare provider is oliguria, which means a significantly reduced urine output. This condition is particularly concerning because the kidneys' inability to adequately excrete potassium can lead to dangerous hyperkalemia, a life-threatening electrolyte imbalance. Hypokalemia itself, characterized by low serum potassium levels, can cause muscle weakness, abdominal distention, and arrhythmias, but these symptoms alone typically shouldn't delay potassium administration. Instead, the presence of oliguria signals a potential risk that the administered potassium will accumulate to toxic levels, overwhelming the body’s capacity to maintain electrolyte balance. Abdominal distention and muscle weakness, while important clinical signs, are more reflective of the underlying electrolyte imbalance but do not necessarily contraindicate potassium administration. Weak peripheral pulses are also concerning but less directly linked to the safe administration of IV potassium than oliguria. Nurses administering IV potassium should adhere to strict guidelines including verifying renal function, monitoring cardiac rhythms, and titrating infusion rates carefully. Potassium infusions are highly concentrated and should never be given as a rapid IV push due to the risk of cardiac arrest. Regular communication with the healthcare team and vigilant nursing assessments help ensure patient safety during potassium replacement therapy. This practice question emphasizes the importance of clinical judgment and understanding potential complications when managing electrolyte imbalances. For nursing students preparing for the NCLEX, focusing on scenarios involving electrolyte management like hypokalemia and hyperkalemia is essential. Practicing with realistic questions that emphasize clinical decision-making will build confidence and readiness for the Next Gen NCLEX exam. Archer Review and other educational resources offer extensive practice questions and detailed rationales to support nursing exam preparation.