A patient is admited with hypernatremia caused by being stranded on a boat in the Atlantic Ocean for two days without water. What is the patient at risk for developing?
Cerebral bleeding
Pulmonary edema
Cardiac arrhythmias
Seizures
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: Cerebral bleeding is incorrect because it is not a common complication of hypernatremia, which is a high sodium level in the blood. Cerebral bleeding can be caused by conditions such as head trauma, stroke, or aneurysm.
Choice B: Pulmonary edema is incorrect because it is a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs, causing shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Pulmonary edema can be caused by conditions such as heart failure, kidney failure, or lung injury.
Choice C: Cardiac arrhythmias is correct because it is a condition where the heart beats irregularly, too fast, or too slow. Cardiac arrhythmias can be caused by hypernatremia, which can affect the electrical activity and contractility of the heart muscle. Hypernatremia can also cause dehydration, hypovolemia, and hypotension, which can impair the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart.
Choice D: Seizures is incorrect because it is a condition where abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes convulsions, loss of consciousness, or altered behavior. Seizures can be caused by conditions such as epilepsy, brain tumor, or infection.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because using an infusion controller for the IV ensures that the KCL is delivered at a safe and accurate rate. KCL can cause cardiac arrest if infused too rapidly or in excess.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because adding the ordered dose to the IV bag hanging dilutes the KCL and reduces the risk of phlebitis and extravasation. KCL is irritating to the veins and can cause tissue damage if it leaks out of the vein.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because monitoring the injection site for redness can help detect signs of phlebitis and extravasation. The nurse should stop the infusion and notify the provider if these complications occur.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because monitoring fluid intake and output is not directly related to administering KCL. However, the nurse should monitor the patient's serum potassium level and renal function before and during KCL therapy, as kidney impairment can cause hyperkalemia.
Choice E Reason: This is incorrect because administering the dose IV push over 3 minutes is dangerous and contraindicated. KCL should never be given by IV push, bolus, or undiluted, as it can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is a) PaCO2 50 mm Hg. This is because respiratory acidosis is a condition in which the lungs cannot remove enough carbon dioxide from the blood, resulting in a high level of PaCO2. The normal range of PaCO2 is 35 to 45 mm Hg.
Choice b) HCO3 30 mEq/L is incorrect because this is a normal value for bicarbonate, which is a buffer that helps maintain the acid-base balance in the blood. The normal range of HCO3 is 22 to 26 mEq/L.
Choice c) pH 7.45 is incorrect because this is a normal value for the acidity or alkalinity of the blood. The normal range of pH is 7.35 to 7.45. Respiratory acidosis causes a low pH, indicating acidemia.
Choice d) Potassium 3.3 mEq/L is incorrect because this is a low value for potassium, which is an electrolyte that helps regulate nerve and muscle function, fluid balance, and blood pressure. The normal range of potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Respiratory acidosis can cause hyperkalemia, or high potassium levels, due to the shift of hydrogen ions into cells and potassium out of cells.
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