Which client is at highest risk for hypokalemia according to the nurse's assessment?

In assessing the risk for hypokalemia, the client with a nasogastric (NG) tube to suction is particularly vulnerable. This is primarily because the continuous suctioning associated with an NG tube can lead to the loss of gastric secretions, which are rich in potassium. If potassium is lost through these secretions without adequate replacement, the client may develop low potassium levels, or hypokalemia.

Additionally, it is important to consider that while other factors contribute to potassium imbalances, the specific mechanism of gastric suctioning directly reduces potassium availability in the body. This makes the client with an NG tube to suction at a heightened risk for hypokalemia compared to others in the listed categories who may have alternative reasons for their potassium levels being affected, but without the direct loss mechanism seen in NG suctioning.