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Regulation of Electrolytes
Regulation of Electrolytes ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who has a low serum sodium level. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Restricting the client's fluid intake is not appropriate for a client who has a low serum sodium level. This could worsen the client's condition by increasing the relative concentration of sodium in the blood. Fluid restriction is indicated for clients who have a high serum sodium level.
Administering a hypertonic saline solution IV is the correct action for a nurse to take for a client who has a low serum sodium level. This will help increase the serum sodium level by drawing water out of the cells and into the blood. Hypertonic saline solutions are used to treat severe cases of hyponatremia.
Encouraging the client to eat foods high in potassium is not relevant for a client who has a low serum sodium level. Potassium is another electrolyte that affects the fluid balance in the body, but it does not directly affect the serum sodium level. Foods high in potassium are recommended for clients who have a low serum potassium level.
Monitoring the client for signs of hypernatremia is not necessary for a client who has a low serum sodium level. Hypernatremia is a condition of high serum sodium level, which is opposite to the client's condition. Signs of hypernatremia include thirst, dry mucous membranes, confusion, and seizures.
Choice A reason:
Restricting the client's fluid intake is not appropriate for a client who has a low serum sodium level. This could worsen the client's condition by increasing the relative concentration of sodium in the blood. Fluid restriction is indicated for clients who have a high serum sodium level.
Choice B reason:
Administering a hypertonic saline solution IV is the correct action for a nurse to take for a client who has a low serum sodium level. This will help increase the serum sodium level by drawing water out of the cells and into the blood. Hypertonic saline solutions are used to treat severe cases of hyponatremia.
Choice C reason:
Encouraging the client to eat foods high in potassium is not relevant for a client who has a low serum sodium level. Potassium is another electrolyte that affects the fluid balance in the body, but it does not directly affect the serum sodium level. Foods high in potassium are recommended for clients who have a low serum potassium level.
Choice D reason:
Monitoring the client for signs of hypernatremia is not necessary for a client who has a low serum sodium level. Hypernatremia is a condition of high serum sodium level, which is opposite to the client's condition. Signs of hypernatremia include thirst, dry mucous membranes, confusion, and seizures.