A patient presents with a heart rate of 130 beats/minute and a blood pressure of 82/66 after exerting themselves in the sun. Which of the following interventions would be most appropriate?
Administer a hypotonic solution
Administer a vasoconstrictor medication
Administer an isotonic solution intravenously
Administer a hypertonic solution intravenously
The Correct Answer is C
A. Administering a hypotonic solution would not be appropriate in this case. Hypotonic solutions can lower the blood pressure further and worsen the patient’s condition.
B. Administering a vasoconstrictor medication may increase blood pressure, but it is not the first-line treatment for dehydration or volume loss, which seems to be the cause of the patient’s symptoms.
C. Administering an isotonic solution intravenously is the most appropriate intervention. The patient is likely experiencing dehydration and hypotension due to fluid loss from exertion in the sun (possibly heat exhaustion). Isotonic fluids such as normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution are typically used to restore circulating volume and improve blood pressure.
D. Administering a hypertonic solution would be inappropriate, as it could increase the osmolarity of the blood and worsen dehydration, potentially causing fluid shifts that could lead to complications such as cellular dehydration.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The patient should increase fluid intake to 6 to 8 glasses of water daily, not 1 to 2 glasses, to help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
B. Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) can cause orange or red discoloration of urine, which is a harmless and temporary side effect that resolves after the medication is stopped. This indicates the patient understands the teaching.
C. Stopping medications prematurely can lead to incomplete treatment of the infection and potential antibiotic resistance. Patients should complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics.
D. Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim) is an antibacterial, and phenazopyridine is a urinary analgesic; neither medication is used to treat fungal infections.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hypertonic fluids are not contraindicated in patients with cerebral edema. In fact, they are often used to reduce cerebral swelling by drawing fluid out of the brain tissue into the bloodstream.
B. Hypertonic saline (3%) is used to shift fluid out of brain tissue in conditions such as cerebral edema. It creates an osmotic gradient, pulling water from the intracellular space into the extracellular and vascular compartments, reducing intracranial pressure.
C. Hypertonic saline is not used for clients with hypernatremia because it would exacerbate the condition by further increasing sodium levels.
D. Hypertonic fluids do not promote hydration of brain tissue. Instead, they work to reduce excess fluid in the brain by creating an osmotic effect.
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