After brain surgery, a male client is lethargic and is having difficulty talking. His blood pressure is 146/122 mm Hg and his urine specific gravity is 1.055. These findings are consistent with which pathophysiological response to intracranial surgery?

Reference Range:

Urine Specific Gravity [1.005 to 1.03]

Hyposecretion of Antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH).

Hypopituitarism.

Septic shock.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

The clinical manifestations described in the scenario, including lethargy, difficulty talking, hypertension (blood pressure of 146/122 mm Hg), and elevated urine specific gravity (1.055), are indicative of Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH). Here's a breakdown of the rationale:

A) Hyposecretion of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH):

Hyposecretion of ADH would result in decreased levels of ADH, leading to increased urine output (polyuria) and low urine specific gravity. This condition is known as diabetes insipidus, characterized by excessive thirst and dilute urine. The elevated urine specific gravity in the scenario is inconsistent with diabetes insipidus. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

B) Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH):

Correct. SIADH is a condition characterized by excessive release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the posterior pituitary gland, leading to water retention, dilutional hyponatremia, and concentrated urine. The elevated urine specific gravity (1.055) in the scenario indicates concentrated urine, consistent with SIADH. Additionally, lethargy and difficulty talking are common neurological manifestations of hyponatremia, which can occur as a result of water retention in SIADH. The client's hypertension is likely a compensatory response to hyponatremia-induced cerebral edema. Therefore, SIADH is the most likely diagnosis in this context.

C) Hypopituitarism:

Hypopituitarism refers to deficient production of one or more pituitary hormones, which can lead to a variety of endocrine abnormalities depending on which hormones are affected. While it is possible for hypopituitarism to cause hyponatremia, the other clinical manifestations described in the scenario are not typically associated with this condition. Additionally, the elevated urine specific gravity is not consistent with hypopituitarism-induced hyponatremia. Therefore, this option is less likely.

D) Septic shock:

Septic shock is a life-threatening condition characterized by severe hypotension and tissue hypoperfusion due to systemic infection. While septic shock can cause altered mental status, hypotension (not hypertension), and oliguria (not concentrated urine), it is not typically associated with elevated urine specific gravity. Therefore, septic shock is not the most likely diagnosis in this context.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Deficiency of factors VIII or IX.

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder characterized by deficient or defective clotting factors, specifically factors VIII (hemophilia A) or IX (hemophilia B). These clotting factors are essential for the formation of stable blood clots. Therefore, if hemophilia is present, the deficiency of factors VIII or IX can lead to impaired clot formation and prolonged bleeding.

B) Diminished amount of vitamin K:

Vitamin K deficiency can lead to impaired blood clotting due to inadequate synthesis of clotting factors in the liver. However, hemophilia is specifically associated with deficiencies in factors VIII or IX, not vitamin K.

C) Decreased amount of platelets:

Platelets play a crucial role in primary hemostasis and initial platelet plug formation at the site of vascular injury. While decreased platelet count or dysfunction can lead to bleeding disorders such as thrombocytopenia or platelet function disorders, hemophilia specifically involves deficiencies in clotting factors, not platelets.

D) Missing factors V and VII:

Factor V and VII are other clotting factors involved in the coagulation cascade, but they are not deficient in hemophilia. Hemophilia is specifically characterized by deficiencies in factors VIII (hemophilia A) or IX (hemophilia B).

A. Arterial blood pH 7.5 and bicarbonate level 32 mEq/L (32 mmol/L). B. Arterial blood pH 7.42 and bicarbonate level 18 mEq/L (18 mmol/L). C. Arterial blood pH 7.25 and bicarbonate level 10 mEq/L (10 mmol/L). D. Arterial blood pH 7.38 and bicarbonate level 29 mEq/L (29 mmol/L).

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

DKA is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus characterized by hyperglycemia, ketosis, and metabolic acidosis. The laboratory results consistent with DKA include:

Elevated blood glucose level: A blood glucose level of 525 mg/dL (28 mmol/L) is significantly elevated and consistent with DKA.

Low arterial blood pH: A decreased arterial blood pH indicates acidosis, which is characteristic of DKA. Normal arterial blood pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45.

Low bicarbonate (HCO3-) level: A low bicarbonate level indicates metabolic acidosis, which is also characteristic of DKA. Normal bicarbonate levels range from 21 to 28 mEq/L (21 to 28 mmol/L).

Among the options provided:

A) Arterial blood pH 7.5 and bicarbonate level 32 mEq/L (32 mmol/L):

This pH and bicarbonate level are indicative of alkalosis, which is not consistent with DKA.

B) Arterial blood pH 7.42 and bicarbonate level 18 mEq/L (18 mmol/L):

This pH is within the normal range, and the bicarbonate level is slightly decreased but not indicative of metabolic acidosis consistent with DKA.

C) Arterial blood pH 7.25 and bicarbonate level 10 mEq/L (10 mmol/L):

Correct. This pH is decreased, indicating acidosis, and the bicarbonate level is significantly below the normal range, consistent with metabolic acidosis characteristic of DKA.

D) Arterial blood pH 7.38 and bicarbonate level 29 mEq/L (29 mmol/L):

While the pH is within the normal range, the bicarbonate level is elevated, which is not consistent with metabolic acidosis seen in DKA.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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