A patient is being admitted to the floor following a motor vehicle accident. because of the stressful nature of the event, the nurse anticipates the patient will continue to have a sympathetic reaction during the post operative period. When monitoring the patient's serum electrolytes, what will the nurse closely monitor?

Increased calcium

Deceased sodium

Decreased potassium

Increased chloride

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) Increased calcium: Sympathetic activation typically does not cause a direct increase in calcium levels. Calcium levels are more influenced by factors like parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D, or conditions such as bone disease or renal issues. Although some stress responses can lead to changes in calcium metabolism, an increase in calcium is not a typical response to sympathetic activation.

B) Decreased sodium: While sodium imbalances can occur in various conditions, the sympathetic nervous system does not directly cause a decrease in sodium. The body's handling of sodium is more influenced by factors like kidney function and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Stress-related changes in sodium levels are less likely to cause a significant decrease in sodium, making this an unlikely focus in monitoring.

C) Decreased potassium: During stress, the body releases catecholamines (like epinephrine) as part of the sympathetic nervous response, which stimulates the movement of potassium into cells. This can result in a transient decrease in serum potassium levels (hypokalemia). Monitoring for decreased potassium is important, as low potassium can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness, which are particularly concerning after surgery or trauma.

D) Increased chloride: Chloride is typically maintained in balance with sodium, and while it may shift in certain conditions, sympathetic activation does not directly lead to increased chloride levels. Most chloride imbalances are secondary to changes in sodium, acid-base disturbances, or kidney function. Therefore, an increase in chloride is less likely in this scenario.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Reversal of bronchoconstriction: Narcotic antagonists are not used to reverse bronchoconstriction. Bronchoconstriction is typically managed with bronchodilators (such as beta-agonists) or corticosteroids. Narcotic antagonists, such as naloxone, specifically counteract the effects of opioids, not respiratory conditions like bronchoconstriction.

B) Reversal of tachycardia: Narcotic antagonists do not have an effect on reversing tachycardia. Tachycardia may result from various conditions, including stimulant use, dehydration, or heart conditions. Treatment for tachycardia typically involves addressing the underlying cause, such as using beta-blockers for cardiac issues, but not narcotic antagonists.

C) Treatment of alcohol dependence: While certain medications, like disulfiram or acamprosate, are used to treat alcohol dependence, narcotic antagonists are not typically indicated for alcohol dependence. Narcotic antagonists, such as naloxone, are primarily used for opioid overdose or dependence, not for alcohol use disorders.

D) Treatment of narcotic dependence: Narcotic antagonists, such as naloxone, are prescribed in the treatment of narcotic (opioid) dependence. These medications work by blocking the effects of opioids at the receptor sites, thereby preventing the "high" associated with opioid use. They are particularly useful in treating opioid overdoses and can also be used in the management of opioid addiction as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

A. Phagocytosis B. Endocytosis C. Pinocytosis D. Exocytosis

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Phagocytosis: Phagocytosis refers to the process by which a cell engulfs large particles, such as pathogens or debris, and brings them into the cell. It is not related to the movement of hormones across the cell membrane.
B) Endocytosis: Endocytosis is the process where a cell engulfs substances from the external environment and brings them into the cell. However, this term is typically used when substances like nutrients or larger molecules are taken into the cell, not when hormones are being secreted out of the cell.
C) Pinocytosis: Pinocytosis is a type of endocytosis in which the cell engulfs extracellular fluid and dissolved substances. It is often referred to as "cell drinking" and involves the uptake of fluids, not the secretion of hormones across the membrane.
D) Exocytosis: This is the correct answer. Exocytosis is the process by which substances, such as hormones or neurotransmitters, are transported from inside the cell to the outside by vesicles that fuse with the cell membrane. In the case of hormones, they are synthesized within the cell and then released into the extracellular space via exocytosis, enabling them to reach their target sites.

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Identify one indicator for a narcotic antagonist to be prescribed?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

When hormones, formed within a cell, move across the cell membrane, the process is call what?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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