An individual with hyperkalemia may experience alterations in which vital signs?

Hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood, can significantly impact the cardiovascular system, particularly affecting the heart's electrical conduction and rhythm. This results in alterations in heart rate and rhythm. High potassium levels can lead to changes such as bradycardia (a slower heart rate) or various arrhythmias, which may include premature ventricular contractions or even ventricular fibrillation in severe cases. These disturbances in rhythm can be directly related to the heart’s dependence on proper potassium levels for normal electrical activity.

Blood pressure and other vital signs like respiratory rate or temperature are not primarily influenced by potassium levels in the same direct manner as the heart’s rate and rhythm are. While elevated potassium can cause indirect effects, such as changes in systemic vascular resistance due to its influence on the heart, it is the direct impact on heart activity that is most critical and evident in hyperkalemia. Thus, the alterations in heart rate and rhythm are the primary concern with hyperkalemia, making this the correct answer.