The nurse is caring for a patient who was treated for Addisonian crisis.
What clinical change indicates to the nurse that the prescribed therapy was effective?
Increase of 25 mmHg in the patient's systolic blood pressure.
An increase in the serum potassium level from 3.5 to 5.6 mEq/dL.
Patient complains of headache and is showing signs of restlessness.
The patient has normal temperature with pallor to the skin.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
An increase in systolic blood pressure by 25 mmHg indicates a positive response to therapy for Addisonian crisis. Addisonian crisis involves severe hypotension due to low levels of cortisol and aldosterone, which regulate blood pressure. Cortisol replacement therapy helps to increase blood pressure by enhancing the responsiveness of blood vessels to catecholamines and promoting sodium and water retention. This improvement is critical for stabilizing the patient and restoring hemodynamic balance.
Choice B rationale
An increase in serum potassium level from 3.5 to 5.6 mEq/dL suggests hyperkalemia, which is a sign of worsening condition, not improvement. Addisonian crisis is characterized by hyperkalemia due to aldosterone deficiency, which impairs potassium excretion. Effective treatment would normalize potassium levels rather than increase them.
Choice C rationale
Complaints of headache and signs of restlessness may indicate adverse effects or complications, rather than therapeutic efficacy. These symptoms could result from inadequate or excessive dosing of corticosteroids or other underlying issues. Monitoring patient response and adjusting treatment is essential.
Choice D rationale
Normal temperature with pallor to the skin does not indicate effective therapy for Addisonian crisis. Pallor may reflect ongoing hypoperfusion or anemia. The absence of fever is not a definitive marker of therapeutic success. Key indicators include hemodynamic stability and normalized electrolytes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Estrogen replacement therapy can have various effects on the body but does not significantly impact thyroid diagnostic tests. This information is still relevant for the patient's overall medical care but not directly related to thyroid testing results.
Choice B rationale
Lactose sensitivity is important for dietary considerations but does not affect thyroid diagnostic tests. Documenting dietary restrictions is important for patient care but does not impact the specific diagnostic tests for thyroid function.
Choice C rationale
Anti-seizure medications can affect thyroid function tests, particularly those that affect the metabolism of thyroid hormones. However, the consumption of iodine-rich foods like kelp or seaweed has a more direct and significant impact on thyroid function and diagnostic testing.
Choice D rationale
Frequent consumption of kelp or seaweed, which are high in iodine, can influence thyroid function tests by altering thyroid hormone levels. This dietary habit should be documented and communicated to ensure accurate interpretation of thyroid function test results. .
Correct Answer is ["5"]
Explanation
The correct answer is 5.
Step 1 is 0.5 mg × 1000 mcg ÷ 1 mg = 500 mcg.
Step 2 is 500 mcg ÷ 100 mcg/min = 5 min.
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