A nurse is caring for an endurance athlete admitted for altered mental status. The client drank large amounts of water during a recent long-distance running event. The client is confused, complaining of a headache, and has a full bounding pulse. The nurse develops the plan of care based on the expectation that the client's lab work will demonstrate which of the following abnormalities?

Serum potassium 5.0 mEq/L

Serum osmolality 294 mmol/kg

Serum sodium of 127 mEq/L

Serum hemoglobin 15.7 grams/dL

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Serum potassium 5.0 mEq/L: This is within the normal range for serum potassium (3.5-5.0 mEq/L). While potassium levels are important, they are not the primary concern with symptoms of confusion and a bounding pulse due to excessive water intake.
B. Serum osmolality 294 mmol/kg: This value is within the normal range for serum osmolality (275-295 mmol/kg). Elevated or normal osmolality would not be expected in a case of water intoxication, which dilutes serum electrolytes.
C. Serum sodium of 127 mEq/L: A serum sodium level of 127 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, a condition often caused by excessive water intake that dilutes the sodium in the bloodstream. Symptoms such as confusion, headache, and a full bounding pulse are consistent with hyponatremia, making this the expected abnormality.
D. Serum hemoglobin 15.7 grams/dL: This is within the normal range for hemoglobin (12-16 grams/dL for women and 13.8-17.2 grams/dL for men). Hemoglobin levels would not be expected to change significantly due to water intoxication.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Continue monitoring the client: The client's vital signs, pale and cool skin, and low urine output suggest potential hypovolemic shock or other serious postoperative complications, requiring more immediate intervention than just continued monitoring.
B. Increase nasal oxygen flow rate to 8 L: While increasing oxygen may be necessary, the primary concern is the underlying cause of the client's symptoms, which may require more immediate intervention.
C. Place the client in high Fowler's position: This position may be beneficial for certain conditions but does not address the underlying issues suggested by the vital signs and physical findings.
D. Notify the surgeon as soon as possible: This is the correct choice. The client's hypotension, tachycardia, pale and cool skin, and low urine output indicate potential complications that need immediate evaluation by the surgeon.

A. Administer 10% sodium chloride via rapid infusion B. Administer intranasal antidiuretic hormone C. Encourage oral fluid intake D. Place the client on seizure precautions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Administer 10% sodium chloride via rapid infusion: Rapid infusion of high concentrations of sodium chloride can be dangerous and is not the standard treatment for severe hyponatremia.
B. Administer intranasal antidiuretic hormone: This would not be appropriate for correcting severe hyponatremia and could potentially worsen the condition.
C. Encourage oral fluid intake: For severe hyponatremia, oral fluid intake might not be sufficient and could exacerbate the condition if there is fluid overload.
D. Place the client on seizure precautions: This is the correct choice. Severe hyponatremia (sodium < 120 mEq/L) can lead to neurological symptoms and seizures, so implementing seizure precautions is crucial for safety.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The client is admitted with a serum sodium level of 110 mEq/L. What nursing intervention should be implemented?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Which client response best supports the decision to discharge the client from the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit?

A client with acute pain is prescribed a sustained-release opioid that is administered every 12 hours. After 6 hours, the client complains of increasing pain that is rated as 9/10. Which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate to address the client's pain?

A client indicates to the nurse a pain level of 8 out of 10. The nurse notes the client has an order for morphine 4 mg IV Q 6 hr PRN for moderate to severe pain. The client's blood pressure is 80/54 mm Hg, respirations 10 breaths/min, and pulse 62 beats/min. Which action should the nurse take?

The illustration reflects a client's upper extremity while the nurse obtains a manual blood pressure. Which electrolyte abnormality is the nurse most likely to see in the client's blood chemistry results?

The nurse is taking a medication history of a client scheduled for surgery the next morning. Which medication requires the nurse to immediately notify the surgeon?

A client is experiencing respiratory depression, constipation, nausea and vomiting, and hypotension after receiving pain medication. Which class of analgesics did this client most likely receive?

The nurse is asked to witness surgical consent forms were obtained for clients, in the preoperative holding area. What client would not be able to consent legally to surgery?