A nurse is planning to teach a group of newly licensed nurses about hypernatremia. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse include in the teaching?
Seizure
Elevated hematocrit
Bradypnea
Personality change
The Correct Answer is D
A. Seizure: While seizures may occur in severe cases of hypernatremia, they are more typically associated with hyponatremia, where cerebral edema is more prominent due to water shifts into brain cells.
B. Elevated hematocrit: An elevated hematocrit may be seen with dehydration, which can accompany hypernatremia, but it is not a direct or reliable indicator of sodium imbalance itself.
C. Bradypnea: Respiratory changes like bradypnea are not characteristic of hypernatremia. This condition primarily affects the neurological system, not the respiratory system.
D. Personality change: Hypernatremia causes cellular dehydration, particularly in brain cells, leading to neurological symptoms such as confusion, agitation, irritability, and personality changes.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Bradypnea: Magnesium sulfate toxicity depresses the central nervous system, leading to respiratory depression such as bradypnea. This is a critical sign requiring immediate intervention, as respiratory rates below 12 breaths per minute can be life-threatening.
B. Tremors: Tremors are typically associated with hypomagnesemia or withdrawal states, not magnesium toxicity. Magnesium toxicity causes muscle weakness and diminished reflexes rather than increased neuromuscular activity.
C. Insomnia: Insomnia is not a recognized symptom of magnesium toxicity. In contrast, elevated magnesium levels tend to cause sedation, lethargy, and decreased mental alertness.
D. Hypertension: Magnesium sulfate can actually lower blood pressure due to its vasodilatory effects. Hypertension would be inconsistent with toxicity and more commonly seen in preeclampsia before magnesium is administered.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Hold your breath for 10 seconds after each puff.": This allows the medication to deposit deeply into the airways, enhancing absorption and therapeutic effect. It is a key step in proper MDI technique.
B. "Inhale rapidly for 1 to 2 seconds after depressing the canister.": Inhalation should be slow and deep over 3 to 5 seconds to allow proper delivery of the medication into the lungs.
C. “Hold the mouthpiece 4 inches away from your open mouth.”: The preferred technique is to place the mouthpiece directly in the mouth with lips sealed around it unless a spacer is used.
D. "Tilt your head forward while inhaling.": The correct method is to tilt the head slightly back to open the airway and facilitate deeper inhalation of the medication.
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