A patient is admitted with hypernatremia caused by being stranded on a boat in the Atlantic Ocean for five days without a fresh water source. What is this patient at risk for developing?
Stress fractures.
Cerebral bleeding.
Atrial dysrhythmias.
Pulmonary edema.
The Correct Answer is B
Cerebral bleeding. Choice A rationale:
Stress fractures are not directly related to hypernatremia. Hypernatremia is an electrolyte imbalance, and its main effects are related to cellular dehydration and neurological symptoms rather than bone fractures.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct answer because hypernatremia can lead to severe dehydration and cause neurological complications, including cerebral bleeding. The brain cells can shrink due to water loss, causing blood vessels to rupture, leading to bleeding in the brain.
Choice C rationale:
Atrial dysrhythmias are not directly associated with hypernatremia. Hypernatremia primarily affects the central nervous system and can lead to neurological symptoms rather than cardiac dysrhythmias.
Choice D rationale:
Pulmonary edema is not a likely consequence of hypernatremia. Pulmonary edema is associated with fluid volume excess, not fluid volume deficit, which is characteristic of hypernatremia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D: Reduction of T-wave amplitude.
Choice A rationale:
The amplitude of the QRS complex is not directly affected by changes in serum potassium levels. It represents ventricular depolarization, and its restoration would not be an expected outcome of polystyrene sulfonate treatment
Choice B rationale:
Shortening of the P-wave duration is not an expected change with polystyrene sulfonate treatment. The P-wave represents atrial depolarization, which is not significantly impacted by the administration of this medication
Choice C rationale:
Widening of the QRS complex is associated with high serum potassium levels. The goal of polystyrene sulfonate treatment is to lower potassium levels and, thus, return the QRS complex to its normal width
Choice D rationale:
Polystyrene sulfonate aims to reduce serum potassium levels. When effective, this should result in a reduction of T-wave amplitude, which is a common ECG change seen with hyperkalemia
In conclusion, choice D is the correct answer, as a reduction in T-wave amplitude would be the expected change on the client's ECG if polystyrene sulfonate effectively lowers their serum potassium level.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Potential Condition.
Based on the provided information, it's challenging to make a definitive diagnosis with the given laboratory results and clinical presentation. The client's symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, dyspnea, yellow sclera, dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, and positive Chvostek and Trousseau signs, suggest a complex clinical picture that requires further investigation and assessment. Action to Take 1: Notify the provider. Rationale: The client's condition appears to be critical and requires immediate medical attention. Notifying the provider will initiate a comprehensive evaluation and potential interventions. Action to Take 2: Withhold medication for diarrhea until the underlying cause is determined. Rationale: Diarrhea can be a symptom of various conditions, and administering medication without a clear diagnosis may mask important clinical information. Parameters to Monitor 1: Serum bicarbonate level.
Rationale:
Monitoring serum bicarbonate levels can help identify potential acid-base imbalances and assess the client's metabolic status, especially given the history of end-stage renal disease. Parameters to Monitor 2: Intake and Output. Rationale: Monitoring intake and output is essential to assess fluid balance and kidney function, especially in a client with end- stage renal disease and potential electrolyte imbalances.
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