A patient, diagnosed with Addison's disease, is admitted to the emergency department (ED) after spending the day at the lake. The patient is diaphoretic, weak and forgetful. Which intervention would be supportive for these S&S (signs and symptoms)?
Administer some insulin
Prepare the patient to receive a blood transfusion
Administer IV glucose
Collect some urine and assess for glucosuria
The Correct Answer is C
A. Administer some insulin: Insulin is not appropriate unless there is evidence of hyperglycemia, which is not suggested by the symptoms described.
B. Prepare the patient to receive a blood transfusion: The symptoms described are not indicative of a need for a blood transfusion but rather suggest adrenal insufficiency.
C. Administer IV glucose: Addisonian crisis can be triggered by stress and dehydration, leading to low blood sugar and symptoms such as weakness and confusion. Administering IV glucose can help manage hypoglycemia and provide immediate support.
D. Collect some urine and assess for glucosuria: The symptoms are more acute and related to adrenal insufficiency rather than glucosuria.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Steroid injections will be administered daily: This is incorrect; steroid therapy may exacerbate Cushing's disease. The condition is often due to excessive production of cortisol, not a deficiency.
B. Weight gain and edema are present: Hyperaldosteronism, often associated with Cushing's syndrome, leads to sodium and water retention, resulting in weight gain and edema.
C. Painful leg cramps are common from hyperkalemia: Hyperaldosteronism typically causes hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia, leading to muscle cramps, not leg pain from hyperkalemia.
D. Decreased amount of body hair is frequently seen: Cushing's disease often leads to hirsutism (increased body hair), not a decrease.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hyperproteinemia and increased drug effect: In cirrhosis, hypoproteinemia (low protein levels) occurs due to decreased protein synthesis by the liver, and drug metabolism is often impaired, leading to increased drug effects, but hyperproteinemia is not a typical finding.
B. Hyperkalemia and fluid retention: While fluid retention is common due to hypoalbuminemia and portal hypertension, hyperkalemia is not a direct consequence of hepatocyte dysfunction.
C. Hypercortisolism and increased infection risk: Hypercortisolism is not typically associated with cirrhosis. However, increased infection risk is common due to compromised immune function.
D. An elevated blood glucose and ammonia level: In cirrhosis, the liver's ability to metabolize ammonia is impaired, leading to elevated levels. Additionally, impaired glucose metabolism can result in hyperglycemia.
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