A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a sodium level of 156 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Nausea and vomiting
Altered mental status
Dysrhythmias
Hypothermia
The Correct Answer is B
A. Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting can be present with hypernatremia (high sodium levels), but they are not the most prominent or specific symptom. The client may experience these symptoms, but they are usually accompanied by other signs.
B. Altered mental status: This is a common manifestation of hypernatremia. The elevated sodium level causes an osmotic imbalance, leading to water shifting out of cells, which results in neurological symptoms, including confusion, lethargy, or seizures.
C. Dysrhythmias: Dysrhythmias can occur with electrolyte imbalances, including hypernatremia, but the primary symptoms related to sodium levels are more often neurological in nature, such as confusion or altered mental status, rather than dysrhythmias specifically.
D. Hypothermia: Hypernatremia typically causes an increase in body temperature, not hypothermia. Elevated sodium levels cause dehydration, which could contribute to increased body temperature rather than cooling.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The grieving process should be complete within 1 year.: This is incorrect. Grief is a highly individual process and does not follow a strict timeline. It can last longer than one year for some individuals, depending on the relationship and circumstances.
B. Anticipatory grieving prolongs the grief process.: This is incorrect. Anticipatory grief, the grief experienced before the loss occurs, does not necessarily prolong the grieving process. In fact, it may help some individuals cope better after the loss because they have already begun to process their emotions.
C. Anger toward the health care staff is expected.: This is correct. It is normal for family members to experience anger during the grieving process, and sometimes they may direct it toward the healthcare staff, especially if they feel that the care is inadequate or if they are overwhelmed by emotions.
D. The stages of grief occur in sequential order.: This is incorrect. While Elisabeth Kübler-Ross identified five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance., they do not necessarily occur in a linear or sequential order. Individuals may experience them in different ways and revisit stages at different times.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Count the client's respirations for 15 seconds" is incorrect. The nurse should count respirations for a full 60 seconds to ensure accuracy, especially in postoperative clients, as irregularities may be more easily detected with a longer observation period.
B. "Place the client in a supine position" is not necessary. While the position of the client can affect respiration, the nurse does not need to place the client in a supine position specifically to assess respirations. The client should be in a comfortable position that allows for adequate observation.
C. "Inform the client when beginning to observe his respirations" is incorrect. The client should not be aware that their respirations are being counted, as awareness can alter their breathing patterns and lead to inaccurate data.
D. "Observe the movements of the client's chest wall" is correct. Observing the chest wall allows the nurse to assess the rate, depth, and rhythm of respirations, as well as any signs of distress or abnormal patterns, which is crucial for monitoring postoperative respiratory status.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
