A nurse is planning care for a client who has overhydration and hyponatremia. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan? (Select all that apply.)
Monitor neurological status.
Administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate as prescribed.
Provide oral hygiene frequently.
Restrict sodium intake as prescribed.
Encourage foods high in protein.
Correct Answer : A,D
Choice A reason:
Monitoring neurological status is a priority intervention for a client who has overhydration and hyponatremia because these conditions can cause cerebral edema, increased intracranial pressure, and altered mental status. The nurse should assess the client for signs of confusion, lethargy, seizures, and coma, and report any changes to the provider.
Choice B reason:
Administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate is not indicated for a client who has overhydration and hyponatremia. This medication is used to treat hyperkalemia by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestine. It has no effect on sodium levels or fluid balance.
Choice C reason:
Providing oral hygiene frequently is a supportive intervention for a client who has overhydration and hyponatremia, but it is not a priority. Oral hygiene can help prevent dry mouth, infections, and discomfort caused by fluid retention and electrolyte imbalance. However, it does not address the underlying causes or complications of the disorder.
Choice D reason:
Restricting sodium intake as prescribed is an essential intervention for a client who has overhydration and hyponatremia. Sodium intake can affect the serum sodium level and the fluid balance in the body. Excessive sodium intake can worsen fluid retention and edema, while inadequate sodium intake can exacerbate hyponatremia. The nurse should follow the provider's orders regarding sodium restriction and educate the client on how to avoid high-sodium foods and beverages.
Choice E reason:
Encouraging foods high in protein is not appropriate for a client who has overhydration and hyponatremia. Protein intake can affect the serum osmolality and the fluid distribution in the body. High-protein foods can increase the osmotic pressure in the blood vessels, drawing more fluid from the interstitial and intracellular spaces. This can worsen overhydration and hyponatremia by diluting the serum sodium level further. The nurse should consult with a dietitian regarding the optimal protein intake for the client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Serum glucose 600 mg/dL. This is an expected finding for a client who has diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) DKA results from a deficiency of insulin, which leads to hyperglycemia and ketosis. The normal range for serum glucose is 70 to 110 mg/dL.
Choice B reason:
Serum bicarbonate 28 mEq/L. This is not an expected finding for a client who has DKA. A client who has DKA experiences ketosis, which results in ketones in the urine and blood. The nurse should expect a client who has DKA to have an HCO3- less than 15 mEq/L. This decreased value is due to an increased production of ketones, which results in metabolic acidosis. The normal range for serum bicarbonate is 22 to 26 mEq/L.
Choice C reason:
Serum potassium 2.5 mEq/L. This is not an expected finding for a client who has DKA. A client who has DKA experiences osmotic diuresis and subsequent dehydration, which can cause electrolyte imbalances. The nurse should expect a client who has DKA to have elevated serum potassium levels due to the movement of potassium from the intracellular to the extracellular space in response to acidosis. The normal range for serum potassium is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L.
Choice D reason:
Serum sodium 150 mEq/L. This is not an expected finding for a client who has DKA. A client who has DKA experiences osmotic diuresis and subsequent dehydration, which can cause electrolyte imbalances. The nurse should expect a client who has DKA to have decreased serum sodium levels due to the dilutional effect of excess glucose in the blood. The normal range for serum sodium is 136 to 145 mEq/L.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Serum sodium is not directly related to the acid-base balance of the body. Sodium bicarbonate therapy does not affect the serum sodium level significantly. Therefore, monitoring serum sodium is not an effective way to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy.
Choice B reason:
Serum potassium is inversely related to the serum pH. As the pH increases, the potassium level decreases, and vice versa. Sodium bicarbonate therapy raises the pH and lowers the potassium level. Therefore, monitoring serum potassium is important to prevent hypokalemia, but it does not directly reflect the acid-base balance of the body.
Choice C reason:
Serum chloride is inversely related to the serum bicarbonate level. As the bicarbonate level increases, the chloride level decreases, and vice versa. Sodium bicarbonate therapy increases the bicarbonate level and decreases the chloride level. Therefore, monitoring serum chloride is important to prevent hypochloremia, but it does not directly reflect the acid-base balance of the body.
Choice D reason:
Serum bicarbonate is directly related to the acid-base balance of the body. The normal range of serum bicarbonate is 22 to 26 mEq/L. In metabolic acidosis, the bicarbonate level is low, and in metabolic alkalosis, it is high. Sodium bicarbonate therapy aims to increase the bicarbonate level and correct metabolic acidosis. Therefore, monitoring serum bicarbonate is the most effective way to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy.
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