Which serum electrolyte value alerts the nurse to the possibility of hyperaldosteronism?
Serum sodium, 150 mmol/L; serum potassium, 2.5 mmol/L
Serum sodium, 140 mmol/L; serum potassium, 5.0 mmol/L
Serum sodium, 130 mmol/L; serum potassium, 7.5 mmol/L
Serum sodium, 130 mmol/L; serum potassium, 2.5 mmol/L
The Correct Answer is A
A. Hyperaldosteronism causes sodium retention and potassium excretion, leading to elevated serum sodium levels and low potassium levels. A serum potassium level of 2.5 mmol/L is indicative of hypokalemia, which is a classic finding in hyperaldosteronism.
B. This serum electrolyte pattern (normal sodium and potassium) is not suggestive of hyperaldosteronism.
C. In hyperaldosteronism, the serum sodium is typically elevated, but the potassium level is very low, not elevated as seen in this option.
D. While low potassium is indicative of hyperaldosteronism, the sodium level is abnormally low in this case, which is not typical for this condition. Hyperaldosteronism typically presents with elevated sodium.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Dumping syndrome is not related to the increased secretion of bile and pancreatic enzymes; it occurs when food passes too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine.
B. Dumping syndrome is not caused by a decrease in insulin secretion, but rather by rapid gastric emptying that can result in fluctuating blood sugar levels.
C. Dumping syndrome occurs when food moves too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine, causing a sudden release of insulin and other gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness.
D. While high-fat foods can be problematic for some gastric bypass patients, dumping syndrome is specifically related to rapid gastric emptying and not the inability to digest fat.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Moist mucous membranes: This is incorrect. In diabetes insipidus, the body loses large amounts of water due to a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or its effects. As a result, the client often experiences dehydration, leading to dry mucous membranes, not moist ones.
B. Bounding peripheral pulses: This is incorrect. While bounding pulses are often seen in conditions like fluid overload or hypervolemia, diabetes insipidus typically causes dehydration due to excessive urination, which would not lead to bounding pulses. The pulses would more likely be weak or thready due to fluid loss.
C. Urine specific gravity 1.002: This is the correct finding. In diabetes insipidus, the kidneys are unable to concentrate urine, resulting in very dilute urine. A urine specific gravity of 1.002 indicates very diluted urine, which is characteristic of diabetes insipidus.
D. Bradycardia: This is incorrect. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not typically associated with diabetes insipidus. In fact, tachycardia (increased heart rate) can occur as a compensatory response to dehydration caused by excessive urination in diabetes insipidus.
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