Which patient is at the highest risk for dehydration?
Elderly patient with fever and nausea and vomiting
Teenager who has intentionally limited fluid intake to avoid weight gain
Young patient with diarrhea
Infant who has a fever
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: Elderly patients are at a higher risk for dehydration due to physiological changes that come with aging, such as decreased kidney function and physical changes to the body's water balance systems. Additionally, fever increases metabolic rate and fluid loss, and nausea and vomiting prevent adequate fluid intake, further increasing the risk of dehydration.
Choice B: While intentionally limiting fluid intake can lead to dehydration, the body's thirst mechanism in a healthy teenager is typically strong enough to prevent severe dehydration.
Choice C: Diarrhea can certainly lead to dehydration, but a young, otherwise healthy patient typically has a stronger ability to recover from fluid loss than an elderly patient.
Choice D: Infants are at a higher risk for dehydration than older children and adults due to their smaller body weight and higher turnover of water and electrolytes, but in this case, the elderly patient's multiple risk factors put them at a higher risk overall.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because 120 to 140 mEq/L is a low range for serum sodium, which indicates hyponatremia. Hyponatremia can cause confusion, lethargy, seizures, and coma.
Choice B reason: This is correct because 135 to 145 mEq/L is the normal range of serum sodium in adults. Sodium is essential for fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because 150 to 160 mEq/L is a high range for serum sodium, which indicates hypernatremia. Hypernatremia can cause thirst, dry mouth, agitation, and convulsions.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because 165 to 175 mEq/L is a very high range for serum sodium, which indicates severe hypernatremia. Severe hypernatremia can cause irreversible brain damage and death.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Panting with mouth open is not an appropriate intervention for an anxious patient with a high respiratory rate. This could increase the risk of hyperventilation and respiratory alkalosis, which could worsen the anxiety and cause symptoms such as dizziness, tingling, and muscle spasms.
Choice B reason: Sitting up is an appropriate intervention for an anxious patient with a high respiratory rate. This could help the patient relax and breathe more deeply and slowly, which could reduce the anxiety and normalize the blood gas levels.
Choice C reason: Lying down is not an appropriate intervention for an anxious patient with a high respiratory rate. This could make the patient feel more claustrophobic and increase the anxiety and the respiratory rate.
Choice D reason: Breathing through a re-breather mask is not an appropriate intervention for an anxious patient with a high respiratory rate. This could increase the oxygen concentration in the blood, which could reduce the stimulus for breathing and cause respiratory depression.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today