A client with Addison's disease comes to the clinic for a follow-up visit. When assessing this client, the nurse should stay alert for signs and symptoms of:
Sodium and potassium abnormalities
Calcium and phosphorus abnormalities
Sodium and chloride abnormalities
Chloride and magnesium abnormalities
The Correct Answer is A
Reasoning:
Choice A reason: Addison’s disease, due to adrenal insufficiency, reduces aldosterone and cortisol production, leading to sodium loss (hyponatremia) and potassium retention (hyperkalemia). These electrolyte abnormalities result from impaired renal sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion, making sodium and potassium monitoring critical for managing complications like hypotension and arrhythmias.
Choice B reason: Calcium and phosphorus abnormalities are not primary concerns in Addison’s disease. These electrolytes are more affected by parathyroid or renal disorders. Addison’s disease primarily disrupts sodium and potassium balance due to aldosterone deficiency, with calcium and phosphorus typically remaining within normal ranges unless other conditions coexist.
Choice C reason: Sodium abnormalities occur in Addison’s disease due to aldosterone deficiency, causing hyponatremia. However, chloride levels are not significantly altered, as chloride follows sodium passively. Potassium imbalances (hyperkalemia) are more critical alongside sodium, making this combination less comprehensive than sodium and potassium monitoring.
Choice D reason: Chloride and magnesium abnormalities are not hallmark features of Addison’s disease. While mild chloride changes may occur with sodium loss, magnesium is typically unaffected. The primary electrolyte disturbances involve sodium (hyponatremia) and potassium (hyperkalemia), making these the focus of monitoring in adrenal insufficiency.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Reasoning:
Choice A reason: Infection is not directly related to tissue hypoxia in iron deficiency anemia. Hypoxia results from low hemoglobin, reducing oxygen delivery, but it does not inherently cause infection. Infections may contribute to anemia in chronic disease but are not the primary issue in iron deficiency.
Choice B reason: Deficient fluid volume is not a primary concern in iron deficiency anemia. Impaired erythropoiesis reduces red blood cell production due to low iron, causing anemia, but fluid volume remains normal unless bleeding occurs. Fatigue from low oxygen capacity is more directly linked to the condition.
Choice C reason: Acute pain is not typical in iron deficiency anemia. Pain is associated with hemolytic anemias like sickle cell disease due to vaso-occlusion. Iron deficiency causes fatigue and dyspnea from low hemoglobin, not hemolysis or pain, making this an incorrect association.
Choice D reason: Fatigue related to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity is the most likely issue in iron deficiency anemia. Low iron impairs hemoglobin synthesis, reducing red blood cell oxygen transport, causing tissue hypoxia and fatigue, especially during exertion, directly reflecting the pathophysiology of the client’s condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Reasoning:
Choice A reason: A cocaine overdose can cause cardiovascular complications like hypertension or infarction, but it is not a primary trigger for DIC. While cocaine may induce inflammation or vascular damage, it lacks the systemic activation of coagulation pathways seen in conditions like sepsis, making it a less likely cause of DIC in this context.
Choice B reason: Sepsis is a leading cause of DIC due to systemic infection triggering widespread activation of the coagulation cascade. Endotoxins or cytokines promote microthrombi formation, consuming platelets and clotting factors, leading to bleeding tendencies. Sepsis-induced inflammation and endothelial damage make this client the most at risk for developing DIC.
Choice C reason: Heart failure and renal failure may cause fluid imbalances and inflammation but are not primary triggers for DIC. These conditions can contribute to coagulopathy indirectly, but they lack the intense systemic inflammatory response and endothelial injury seen in sepsis, making them less likely to cause DIC.
Choice D reason: A stage IV pressure injury may lead to localized infection or inflammation, but it is not a primary driver of DIC. While severe infections could contribute, the systemic activation of coagulation seen in DIC is more commonly triggered by conditions like sepsis, making this client less at risk.
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