The nurse is caring for a patient with hyponatremia.
Which of the following interventions would be appropriate?
Encouraging the patient to consume a low-sodium diet.
Administering intravenous fluids with a high sodium content.
Administering a diuretic medication to increase urine output.
Encouraging the patient to increase fluid intake.
The Correct Answer is B
Hyponatremia is a condition where the serum sodium level is below 135 mEq/L, which can affect the normal functioning of cells, muscles, and organs.
Administering intravenous fluids with a high sodium content can help restore the sodium balance and prevent complications such as confusion, seizures, and coma.
Choice A is wrong because encouraging the patient to consume a low-sodium diet would worsen the hyponatremia and increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance.
Choice C is wrong because administering a diuretic medication to increase urine output would cause further fluid and sodium loss and exacerbate the hyponatremia.
Choice D is wrong because encouraging the patient to increase fluid intake would dilute the sodium concentration and lower the serum sodium level.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Increased urine output is a sign of adequate hydration, as it means the kidneys are filtering waste and fluids from the body through the urine. The urine should be pale straw or lemonade colored, which indicates good hydration.
Choice B is wrong because decreased urine output is a sign of dehydration, as it means the kidneys are not working well and waste products are accumulating in the blood.
The urine may be dark and strong smelling, which indicates poor hydration.
Choice C is wrong because dry mucous membranes are a sign of dehydration, as they indicate a lack of fluid in the body tissues.
Choice D is wrong because hypertension is not a direct indicator of hydration status, although dehydration can cause low BP due to reduced blood volume.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is because hemodialysis removes excess fluid and waste products from the blood, but it also removes some electrolytes, such as potassium.
Potassium is important for nerve and muscle function, especially the heart.
If potassium levels are too high or too low, it can cause irregular heartbeat or cardiac arrest.
Choice B is wrong because hypokalemia means low potassium levels, which is unlikely in renal failure unless there is excessive potassium loss from diarrhea, vomiting or diuretics.
Choice C is wrong because hyponatremia means low sodium levels, which can occur in renal failure due to fluid retention, but it is not directly related to hemodialysis.
Choice D is wrong because hypernatremia means high sodium levels, which can occur in renal failure due to reduced urine output, but it is also not directly related to hemodialysis.
Normal ranges for electrolytes are: Potassium: 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L
Sodium: 135 to 145 mmol/L
Calcium: 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL
Chloride: 96 to 106 mmol/L
Magnesium: 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL
Phosphate: 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL
Bicarbonate: 22 to 29 mmol/L
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