A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a sodium level of 128 mEq/L. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
Hyporeflexia.
Constipation.
Increased appetite.
Headache.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D: Headache.
Rationale for Choice D (Headache): Hyponatremia, defined as a serum sodium level below 135 mEq/L, can lead to various neurological symptoms due to the altered osmotic pressure in the brain cells. When the sodium level drops below normal, water moves into the cells, causing them to swell, which can lead to increased intracranial pressure and subsequent headaches. Therefore, a client with a sodium level of 128 mEq/L is likely to experience headaches as a manifestation of hyponatremia.
Rationale for other choices:
Choice A: Hyporeflexia Hyporeflexia refers to diminished or absent reflexes. While hyponatremia can affect neurological function, hyporeflexia is not a typical manifestation. Instead, hyperreflexia may occur in severe cases due to cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B: Constipation Constipation is not a common manifestation of hyponatremia. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping may occur, but constipation is not typically associated with sodium imbalances.
Choice C: Increased appetite Hyponatremia does not typically cause increased appetite. Instead, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and anorexia are more commonly observed. Increased appetite is not directly related to sodium levels but may be seen in conditions such as hyperthyroidism or certain medications.
Therefore, based on the provided data and typical manifestations of hyponatremia, the correct answer is Choice D: Headache. This is because headaches are a common neurological symptom associated with low sodium levels and increased intracranial pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Checking the client's blood pressure is not the priority action when administering digoxin. Although monitoring blood pressure is essential in the overall care of a client with heart failure, the most critical parameter to assess before administering digoxin is the client's apical pulse.
Choice B rationale:
Measuring the client's apical pulse is the correct action to take before administering digoxin. Digoxin is a medication commonly prescribed for heart failure, and it has a narrow therapeutic range. It primarily works by increasing the force of the heart's contractions, and an excessively low heart rate (bradycardia) is a potential side effect of digoxin. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the client's apical pulse to ensure it is within the recommended range (usually above 60 beats per minute) before administering the medication. If the pulse rate is below the recommended range, the nurse should withhold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
Choice C rationale:
Offering the client a light snack is not a necessary action before administering digoxin. While it is important to consider the client's dietary needs, it is not directly related to the administration of digoxin. However, if the client has nausea or vomiting, which can be a side effect of digoxin, a light snack might be offered after the medication.
Choice D rationale:
Weighing the client is not the immediate action to take before administering digoxin. Although daily weights can be important for assessing fluid balance in clients with heart failure, it is not the priority before administering digoxin. Monitoring the client's apical pulse is the most critical step in this context.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Check the client's respiratory rate and lung sounds When an IV bag is unexpectedly empty, it is important to assess the client for potential complications, especially if the client was receiving fluid therapy. Checking the respiratory rate and lung sounds is essential to ensure there are no signs of respiratory distress, such as crackles or wheezing, which could indicate fluid overload or a pulmonary issue.
Choice B rationale:
Request NPO status for the client Requesting nothing by mouth (NPO) status is not the immediate action required when an IV bag is empty. The priority is to assess the client's condition and address any potential issues first.
Choice C rationale:
Elevate the head of the bed to high Fowler's Elevating the head of the bed to high Fowler's is a measure to assist with preventing aspiration during oral intake. It is not the primary action required in this situation, where assessing the client's respiratory and fluid status is more important.
Choice D rationale:
Measure the client's temperature Measuring the client's temperature is not the immediate priority in this scenario. Assessing the client's respiratory and fluid status is more critical to identify any potential issues associated with the empty IV bag. .
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