A patient is experiencing muscle cramps and confusion. Blood tests reveal a sodium level of 125 mEq/L Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
Provide a high-sodium diet.
Administer hypotonic saline solution.
Restrict oral fluid intake.
Encourage the patient to drink more water.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Provide a high-sodium diet: While increasing sodium intake may eventually be necessary, it is not the immediate priority for a patient showing neurological symptoms (confusion) from dilutional hyponatremia.
B. Administer hypotonic saline solution: Hypotonic solutions (like 0.45% NaCl) would further lower the sodium concentration, worsening the patient's condition and increasing the risk of cerebral edema.
C. Restrict oral fluid intake: A sodium level of 125 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia. The most common cause is fluid overload (dilutional hyponatremia). Restricting fluid helps prevent further dilution of the sodium remaining in the blood.
D. Encourage the patient to drink more water: This would worsen the hyponatremia by further diluting the extracellular sodium levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["2"]
Explanation
Desired /Available= x
1400mg/700mg= 2 tablets
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Provide a high-sodium diet: While increasing sodium intake may eventually be necessary, it is not the immediate priority for a patient showing neurological symptoms (confusion) from dilutional hyponatremia.
B. Administer hypotonic saline solution: Hypotonic solutions (like 0.45% NaCl) would further lower the sodium concentration, worsening the patient's condition and increasing the risk of cerebral edema.
C. Restrict oral fluid intake: A sodium level of 125 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia. The most common cause is fluid overload (dilutional hyponatremia). Restricting fluid helps prevent further dilution of the sodium remaining in the blood.
D. Encourage the patient to drink more water: This would worsen the hyponatremia by further diluting the extracellular sodium levels.
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