A client is hospitalized for observation after suffering heat exhaustion during a marathon race. He complains of dizziness when he stands up, and the RN determines that he has postural hypotension. Based on the information, which of the following electrolyte imbalances could cause the client's symptoms?
Hypernatremia
Hyponatremia
Hyperkalemia
Hypokalemia
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Hypernatremia is a condition of high sodium levels in the blood. It can cause symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth, confusion, agitation, and seizures. It is not likely to cause postural hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing positions.
Choice B reason: Hyponatremia is a condition of low sodium levels in the blood. It can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, fatigue, and confusion. It can also cause postural hypotension, as sodium helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure.
Choice C reason: Hyperkalemia is a condition of high potassium levels in the blood. It can cause symptoms such as muscle weakness, paralysis, irregular heartbeat, and cardiac arrest. It is not likely to cause postural hypotension, which is more related to fluid and sodium levels.
Choice D reason: Hypokalemia is a condition of low potassium levels in the blood. It can cause symptoms such as muscle cramps, weakness, fatigue, constipation, and arrhythmias. It is not likely to cause postural hypotension, which is more related to fluid and sodium levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the correct answer because offering to notify the health care provider after morning rounds are completed is not the first action that the critically thinking nurse should take. The nurse should act promptly and advocate for the patient's pain management needs, rather than delaying the communication with the health care provider.
Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because exploring other options for pain relief is the first action that the critically thinking nurse should take. The nurse should assess the patient's pain level, location, quality, and contributing factors, and use a multimodal approach to pain management that includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, such as ice, heat, distraction, relaxation, or massage.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer because discussing the surgical procedure and reason for the pain is not the first action that the critically thinking nurse should take. The nurse should focus on alleviating the patient's pain, rather than educating the patient about the surgery. The nurse can provide information and reassurance to the patient after the pain is controlled.
Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because explaining to the patient that nothing else has been ordered is not the first action that the critically thinking nurse should take. The nurse should not dismiss the patient's pain or imply that the patient has no other options for pain relief. The nurse should collaborate with the patient and the health care provider to find the best pain management plan for the patient.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Encouraging the patient to wait for 24 hours before applying new knowledge is not an effective strategy to promote learning. It may cause the patient to forget or lose interest in the information. The RN should encourage the patient to apply new knowledge as soon as possible to reinforce learning and improve retention.
Choice B reason: Organizing the content from complex to simple is not an effective strategy to promote learning. It may confuse or overwhelm the patient with too much information at once. The RN should organize the content from simple to complex, starting with the most essential and relevant information and building on it gradually.
Choice C reason: Repeating the key concepts is an effective strategy to promote learning. It helps the patient to remember and recall the important information and clarify any misunderstandings. The RN should repeat the key concepts at the beginning, during, and at the end of the lesson.
Choice D reason: Asking the patient to hold questions until after the lesson is completed is not an effective strategy to promote learning. It may discourage the patient from asking questions or expressing concerns that may affect their learning. The RN should encourage the patient to ask questions at any time and provide feedback and answers.
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