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

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. "It is caused by the lack of production of insulin by the pancreas.": This is incorrect. The lack of insulin production causes diabetes mellitus, not Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease results from insufficient production of adrenal hormones, particularly aldosterone and cortisol.
B. "It is caused by the overproduction of parathormone by the parathyroid gland.": This is incorrect. Parathormone is produced by the parathyroid glands and regulates calcium balance, but overproduction of parathormone leads to conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, not Addison’s disease.
C. "It is caused by the lack of production of aldosterone by the adrenal gland.": This is correct. Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is caused by the inability of the adrenal glands to produce sufficient aldosterone and cortisol, two critical hormones. Aldosterone helps regulate sodium and potassium balance, and cortisol helps the body respond to stress.
D. "It is caused by the overproduction of growth hormone by the pituitary gland.": This is incorrect. Overproduction of growth hormone causes acromegaly or gigantism, not Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease results from adrenal insufficiency, not pituitary gland dysfunction.

A. Monitor for postural hypotension B. Assess blood glucose level C. Monitor for an irregular heart rate D. Assess for neck vein distention E. Weigh the client daily

Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Monitor for postural hypotension: This is unlikely in Cushing’s syndrome, where hypertension (not hypotension) is more common due to excess cortisol and fluid retention.
B. Assess blood glucose level: Hyperglycemia is common in Cushing’s syndrome due to the effects of cortisol on glucose metabolism, so monitoring blood glucose levels is essential.
C. Monitor for an irregular heart rate: While Cushing's syndrome can lead to electrolyte imbalances that may affect heart rhythm, this is not a primary intervention in Cushing's syndrome. Monitoring for hypertension and fluid retention is more critical.
D. Assess for neck vein distention: Elevated cortisol levels can lead to fluid retention and hypertension, contributing to neck vein distention, so this is an important observation.
E. Weigh the client daily: Fluid retention and weight gain are key features of Cushing's syndrome, so daily weight monitoring helps assess fluid status and detect rapid weight gain indicative of worsening symptoms.

View Question and Answer

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

Which serum electrolyte value alerts the nurse to the possibility of hyperaldosteronism?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A staff nurse is teaching a client who has Addison's disease about the disease process. The client asks the nurse what causes Addison's disease. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has Cushing's syndrome. Which of the following interventions should the nurse expect to perform? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is 1-day postoperative following a total laryngectomy and has begun a soft diet. The client is not eating well and tells the nurse that the hospital food has no taste. Which of the following responses is appropriate for the nurse to make?

A nurse is assessing a client who has diabetes insipidus. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse in the emergency department is assessing an older adult client who has community-acquired pneumonia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is caring for a client who has syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) and a sodium level of 123 mEq/L. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse anticipate?

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing anaphylactic shock in response to the administration of penicillin. Which of the following medications should the nurse administer first?

A nurse is caring for a client who is in the immediate postoperative period following a partial laryngectomy. Which of the following parameters should the nurse assess first?

The nurse notes that which disorder places the patient at greatest risk for hypertensive crisis?

A nurse is assessing a client who has pneumonia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?