A client is admitted with hyponatremia.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize for this client?
Restricting fluid intake.
Administering a hypertonic saline solution.
Encouraging increased fluid intake.
Administering a loop diuretic.
The Correct Answer is B
This is because hyponatremia is a condition where sodium levels in your blood are lower than normal, usually due to too much water in your body that dilutes the sodium. A hypertonic saline solution is a fluid that has a higher concentration of sodium than blood, and it can help restore the normal sodium balance by drawing water out of the cells.
Choice A is wrong because restricting fluid intake may not be enough to correct severe hyponatremia, and it may worsen the symptoms of dehydration.
Choice C is wrong because encouraging increased fluid intake will further lower the sodium levels and increase the risk of complications such as brain swelling.
Choice D is wrong because administering a loop diuretic will cause more sodium and water loss from the kidneys, which can worsen hyponatremia and dehydration.
Normal ranges for blood sodium levels are between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).
Hyponatremia is defined as a blood sodium level below 135 mEq/L1.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Trousseau’s sign is a test for hypocalcemia that involves inflating a blood pressure cuff on the arm and observing for carpal spasm. A positive sign indicates low calcium levels in the blood, which can cause neuromuscular irritability.
Choice B is wrong because hyperactive deep tendon reflexes are a sign of hypomagnesemia, which is a low level of magnesium in the blood.
Choice C is wrong because hyperactive bowel sounds are a sign of hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood.
Choice D is wrong because muscle twitching can be caused by many factors, such as anxiety, caffeine, or electrolyte imbalance, and is not specific to hypocalcemia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Sodium is the major extracellular electrolyte in the body.
It is responsible for maintaining the extracellular fluid volume, and also for regulation of the membrane potential of cells.
Sodium is exchanged along with potassium across cell membranes as part of active transport.
Choice B is wrong because potassium is mainly an intracellular ion.
It is important for nerve and muscle function, but it is not the predominant electrolyte in the extracellular fluid.
Choice C is wrong because calcium is not the major electrolyte in the extracellular fluid.
Calcium is mostly found in bones and teeth, where it forms a mineral reserve with phosphate.
Calcium also plays a role in muscle contraction, blood clotting, and enzyme activity.
Choice D is wrong because magnesium is not the major electrolyte in the extracellular fluid.
Magnesium is mostly found in bones, where it helps to stabilize the structure of ATP2.
Magnesium also participates in enzyme reactions, nerve and muscle function, and protein synthesis.
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