A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure (HF). Which of the following should the nurse identify as a cause for the client's decreased serum osmolality?
A decrease in intracellular fluid volume
An increase in hydrostatic pressure
An increase in serum sodium
An increase in vascular fluid volume
The Correct Answer is D
A. A decrease in intracellular fluid volume: A reduction in intracellular fluid volume often results from hypertonic conditions in the extracellular space, which can draw water out of cells. This shift can actually increase serum osmolality rather than decrease it.
B. An increase in hydrostatic pressure: Increased hydrostatic pressure promotes fluid movement from the vascular space into the interstitial tissues, contributing to edema. However, this does not significantly impact the concentration of solutes in the serum and therefore does not directly cause a decrease in osmolality.
C. An increase in serum sodium: Sodium is the main contributor to serum osmolality, so an increase in serum sodium raises osmolality. This is the opposite of what occurs in heart failure, where sodium levels are often diluted due to fluid retention.
D. An increase in vascular fluid volume: In heart failure, the kidneys retain fluid in response to decreased cardiac output, expanding the vascular volume. This excess water dilutes the concentration of solutes in the blood, such as sodium, leading to a decrease in serum osmolality.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Thoracentesis: Thoracentesis may be ordered if there is suspected pleural effusion or hemothorax following thoracic trauma. It allows for both diagnostic and therapeutic removal of fluid or blood from the pleural space and helps assess the extent of internal injury.
B. Ultrasound: Ultrasound is a non-invasive tool used to quickly assess thoracic structures such as the pleura and pericardium. It helps detect hemothorax, pneumothorax, or pericardial effusion, and is commonly used in emergency settings for rapid diagnosis.
C. Focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST): FAST is a rapid bedside ultrasound exam used to detect free fluid (blood) in the thoracic or abdominal cavity. In trauma cases, it helps quickly identify life-threatening internal bleeding or organ injury, making it a critical diagnostic tool.
D. Chest x-ray: A chest x-ray is a standard imaging technique used to evaluate thoracic injuries. It can reveal fractures, pneumothorax, hemothorax, and other abnormalities in the chest cavity, providing a clear view of the extent of injury.
E. Pleural cavity decompression via needle aspiration: Needle aspiration is a therapeutic procedure rather than a diagnostic tool. It is used in emergencies to relieve a tension pneumothorax, not to assess or diagnose thoracic injury. Therefore, it is not anticipated as a diagnostic measure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Clients who have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene changes have a decreased risk of breast cancer.":
Individuals with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations actually have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, not a decreased one. These gene mutations significantly increase the likelihood of breast and ovarian cancers.
B. "Clients should begin screening mammography annually by the age of 30 years old.":
The general recommendation is to begin annual mammography screenings at age 40 for average-risk women, with earlier screening only recommended for those at high risk due to family history or genetic factors.
C. "Breastfeeding increases the risk of breast cancer in women over 40 years of age.":
Breastfeeding has been shown to lower the risk of breast cancer, especially for women who breastfeed for longer durations. It does not increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
D. "Breast cancer can occur in any part of the breast, but ductal breast cancer is most common.":
Breast cancer can develop in any part of the breast, but ductal carcinoma, which originates in the milk ducts, is the most common form of breast cancer.
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