A client who is being cared for in her home has a low serum sodium level of 125 mEqL. To determine the cause of this value, which information should the practical nurse (PN) request from the client?
The percent of processed or canned foods eaten.
The number of vegetable servings consumed daily.
The amount of ice chips and water consumed daily
The amount of salt substitute used in meal preparation
The Correct Answer is C
A. The percent of processed or canned foods eaten: Processed and canned foods are typically high in sodium, which would more likely lead to hypernatremia, not hyponatremia. Therefore, this information does not help determine the cause of a low sodium level.
B. The number of vegetable servings consumed daily: Vegetable intake has minimal impact on serum sodium levels unless accompanied by excessive fluid intake or specific medical conditions. This question does not directly address possible dilutional or sodium-loss causes.
C. The amount of ice chips and water consumed daily: Excessive intake of water or ice chips can lead to dilutional hyponatremia by lowering serum sodium concentration. Assessing fluid consumption is essential to determine if overhydration is contributing to the client’s low sodium level.
D. The amount of salt substitute used in meal preparation: Many salt substitutes contain potassium instead of sodium, which may alter potassium levels but not directly explain hyponatremia. The primary focus should be on identifying fluid-related factors rather than sodium replacement products.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
A. Transport a urine culture sample to the laboratory: Transporting specimens is within the UAP’s scope of practice. It involves safe handling and timely delivery but does not require clinical judgment or assessment skills, making it appropriate to delegate.
B. Empty bedside drainage unit for a client with indwelling urinary catheter: UAPs are trained to empty catheter drainage bags and record output. This task is routine, does not involve sterile technique beyond standard precautions, and falls within their competency.
C. Teach the client with fluid restrictions how to measure urine output: Teaching requires assessment, explanation, and evaluation of client understanding, which are nursing responsibilities. The UAP cannot independently provide education or evaluate comprehension.
D. Irrigate an indwelling urinary catheter for a client with bladder suspension: Catheter irrigation is a sterile, invasive procedure requiring clinical judgment and monitoring for complications. This task must be performed by licensed nursing personnel, not a UAP.
E. Obtain a post-voided residual (PVR) volume: Measuring PVR often involves using a bladder scanner and interpreting results, requiring assessment skills and clinical decision-making. This is outside the UAP’s scope and must be performed by a licensed nurse.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Pain scale: Postherpetic neuralgia, persistent nerve pain following shingles, is a common complication. Assessing pain intensity, quality, and location helps guide pain management and evaluate recovery, making it the most critical data to obtain.
B. Capillary refill: Capillary refill assesses peripheral perfusion but is not directly affected by shingles or its treatment, making it less relevant for a focused post-shingles assessment.
C. Joint mobility: While joint mobility is important in general health assessments, shingles typically does not impair joint function. Monitoring mobility is not the priority in this context.
D. Urine color: Urine color is unrelated to shingles or its treatment in most cases. Assessing it does not provide essential information for evaluating post-shingles recovery.
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