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 D

Explanation

A. While documenting the amount of drainage is important, it is not the most urgent action when clear drainage is observed after a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy.
B. Notifying the provider is important but should not be the first step. The nurse should first assess the nature of the drainage, as it could indicate a serious complication, such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.
C. A culture may be necessary if infection is suspected, but the priority action is to assess whether the drainage is CSF.
D. Checking the drainage for glucose is the most appropriate initial action. Clear drainage from the nasal packing could indicate a CSF leak, which is a complication that can occur after transsphenoidal surgery. CSF contains glucose, so testing for glucose in the drainage will help determine if it is CSF. If glucose is detected, the nurse should immediately notify the provider, as CSF leakage requires prompt intervention.

A. Shake the MDI prior to administration. B. Ask the client to inhale the medication quickly for 1 second. C. Wash the MDI canister in warm water after each use. D. Ask the client to hold their breath for 2 seconds after inhalation.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Shake the MDI prior to administration: This is the correct action. Shaking the MDI ensures that the medication is evenly mixed with the propellant, which is essential for delivering the correct dose. If the inhaler is not shaken, the medication may not be properly dispensed.
B. Ask the client to inhale the medication quickly for 1 second: This is incorrect. The client should inhale slowly and deeply to ensure the medication reaches the lower airways. A quick inhalation may not allow the medication to be delivered effectively, reducing its therapeutic effect.
C. Wash the MDI canister in warm water after each use: This is incorrect. The MDI canister itself should not be washed as it may damage the device. Only the mouthpiece should be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions. Overwashing the device can cause malfunctions.
D. Ask the client to hold their breath for 2 seconds after inhalation: This is too short. The client should hold their breath for about 10 seconds to allow the medication to fully reach the lungs and be absorbed. A brief hold, such as 2 seconds, may not be enough to maximize the medication's effectiveness.

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 nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. While assessing the client, the nurse notes a large area of clear drainage seeping from the nasal packing. Which of the following should be the nurse's initial action?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer a metered dose inhaler (MDI) medication to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A patient who is scheduled for gastric bypass surgery asks for information about dumping syndrome. How does the nurse explain dumping syndrome?

A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote thinning of respiratory secretions?

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

A nurse administers desmopressin to a client who has a diagnosis of diabetes insipidus. The nurse recognizes that which of the following laboratory findings indicate a therapeutic effect of the medication?

A nurse is reviewing guidelines to prevent DKA during periods of illness with a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is teaching a client who has a new diagnosis of asthma. Which of the following medications should the nurse instruct the client to use to abort an acute asthma attack?

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

The nurse assists a patient into which position in preparation for a diagnostic thoracentesis?