A client with Addison's disease becomes weak, confused, and dehydrated following the onset of an acute viral infection. The client's laboratory values include: sodium 129 mEq/L (129 mmol/L), glucose 54 mg/dl (2.97 mmol/L) and potassium 5.3 mEq/L (5.3 mmol/L).

When reporting the findings to the healthcare provider, the nurse anticipates a prescription for which intravenous medication?

Reference Ranges

Sodium [Reference Range: Adult 136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L)

Glucose (Reference Range: 0 to 50 years: 74 to 106 mg/dl. (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L))

Potassium [Reference Range: 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)

Broad spectrum antibiotic.

Regular insulin.

Hydrocortisone.

Potassium chloride.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

The client with Addison's disease is experiencing weakness, confusion, and dehydration, which can be indicative of an adrenal crisis. The low sodium level (129 mEq/L) and low glucose level (54 mg/dl) further support this suspicion. An acute viral infection can trigger an adrenal crisis in individuals with Addison's disease.

Intravenous hydrocortisone, a glucocorticoid, is the treatment of choice for managing an adrenal crisis. It helps to replenish cortisol levels and stabilize the client's condition.

Hydrocortisone helps in restoring the body's stress response and regulating electrolyte and glucose levels.

A broad-spectrum antibiotic may be necessary if there is evidence of a bacterial infection, but it does not directly address the symptoms associated with Addison's disease.

Regular insulin is used for managing high blood glucose levels in conditions such as diabetes, but in this case, the client has low glucose levels, so insulin is not the appropriate intervention.

Potassium chloride is a medication used to treat low potassium levels (hypokalemia), but the client's potassium level is within the reference range (5.3 mEq/L). Therefore, potassium chloride is not indicated in this situation.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Incorrect- Anal abscesses and fistulas are more commonly associated with Crohn's disease than with ulcerative colitis. Crohn's disease can involve the entire thickness of the bowel wall and create tunnels or connections (fistulas) between different parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
B) Correct- Rectal bleeding is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis, as the inflamed tissue can bleed easily.
C) Incorrect- Constipation is not a common characteristic of Crohn's disease. In fact, both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can lead to a range of bowel habits, including diarrhea and constipation, depending on the extent and location of inflammation.
D) Incorrect- Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that involve chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the colon and rectum, causing continuous areas of inflammation and ulceration. Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. It often involves patches of inflammation with healthy tissue in between, and it can affect different layers of the bowel wall.

A. Temperature 103 °F (39.4 °C) B. Blood pressure 89/51 mmHg C. Respiratory rate 55 breaths/min D. Copious, clear secretions from both nostrils F. Oxygen saturation 95% G. Wet diaper with 12 mL of urine H. Heart rate 159 bpm

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

Fever increases fluid loss through perspiration.

Increased respiratory rate can lead to increased fluid loss through evaporation. Increased nasal secretions can result in fluid loss.

High oxygen flow can cause drying of the mucous membranes and increase fluid requirements.

The following findings do not necessarily indicate increased fluid requirements: Blood pressure alone does not indicate increased fluid requirements.

Oxygen saturation within the normal range does not indicate increased fluid requirements.

Although urine output is important to assess hydration status, 12 mL of urine may not necessarily indicate increased fluid requirements.

Heart rate alone does not indicate increased fluid requirements.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who is having gastrointestinal (GI) difficulties is undergoing diagnostic procedures. The client asks the nurse about the difference between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Which information should the nurse offer?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

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