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 D

Explanation

Situation: Increasing confusion of the client.

The nurse should start by providing the current situation, which is the client's increasing confusion. This is crucial information as it indicates a change in the client's condition and may require immediate attention.

Background: Fall at home as reason for admission.

Next, the nurse should provide the background information, which includes the reason for admission, in this case, the fall at home. This helps the healthcare provider understand the context and potential contributing factors to the client's current condition. Assessment: Currently prescribed medications.

After providing the background, the nurse should discuss the assessment findings. In this case, it would be appropriate to mention the client's currently prescribed medications. This information can help the healthcare provider assess for any medication-related issues or interactions that could be contributing to the client's confusion.

Recommendation: Client's healthcare power of attorney.

Lastly, the nurse should provide the recommendation, which in this case is the client's healthcare power of attorney. This information is important as it identifies the designated decision-maker for the client's healthcare decisions and can assist the healthcare provider in involving the appropriate person in the care planning process.

A. Stop the Infusion. B. Assess vital signs. C. Contact the healthcare provider. D. Initiate an adverse event report. E. Document reaction to the drug.

Correct Answer is A,B,C,D,E

Explanation

A) This is because the client is experiencing an allergic reaction to piperacillin, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should stop the infusion immediately to prevent further exposure to
the drug and assess vital signs to monitor for signs of anaphylaxis, such as hypotension, tachycardia, wheezes, or stridor.
B) Assessing vital signs is a priority to determine the severity of the reaction and the client's overall condition.
C) The nurse should contact the healthcare provider to report the situation and obtain orders for treatment, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine.
D) The nurse should initiate an adverse event report to document the incident and follow the facility's protocol for reporting medication errors.
E) The nurse should also document the reaction to the drug in the client's chart and notify the pharmacy to avoid future administration of piperacillin or related antibiotics.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client develops urticaria on the trunk and neck shortly after a secondary infusion of piperacillin is initiated. In which, order should the nurse implement these interventions? (Arrange the actions in order of priority, with the highest priority first, and least priority last or at the bottom.)

Correct Answer is A,B,C,D,E

Explanation

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