A client is experiencing symptoms of fluid overload.
Which of the following interventions would the nurse anticipate as appropriate for this client?
Administering a diuretic medication.
Encouraging increased fluid intake.
Providing a high-sodium diet.
Elevating the affected extremities.
The Correct Answer is A
Fluid overload, also called hypervolemia, is a condition in which the body has too much water.
It can cause edema, hypertension, shortness of breath, and cardiovascular problems.
Diuretics are medications that help the body remove excess fluid through urine.
They are commonly used to treat fluid overload caused by heart failure, kidney failure, cirrhosis, and other conditions.
Choice B is wrong because encouraging increased fluid intake would worsen the fluid overload and increase the risk of complications.
Choice C is wrong because providing a high-sodium diet would also worsen the fluid overload and increase the risk of complications.
Sodium is an electrolyte that regulates fluid balance in the body.
Excess sodium intake can cause water retention and increase blood pressure.
Choice D is wrong because elevating the affected extremities is not an appropriate intervention for fluid overload.
Elevating the extremities can help reduce swelling caused by local factors such as injury or inflammation, but it does not address the underlying cause of fluid overload.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is because hemodialysis removes excess fluid and waste products from the blood, but it also removes some electrolytes, such as potassium.
Potassium is important for nerve and muscle function, especially the heart.
If potassium levels are too high or too low, it can cause irregular heartbeat or cardiac arrest.
Choice B is wrong because hypokalemia means low potassium levels, which is unlikely in renal failure unless there is excessive potassium loss from diarrhea, vomiting or diuretics.
Choice C is wrong because hyponatremia means low sodium levels, which can occur in renal failure due to fluid retention, but it is not directly related to hemodialysis.
Choice D is wrong because hypernatremia means high sodium levels, which can occur in renal failure due to reduced urine output, but it is also not directly related to hemodialysis.
Normal ranges for electrolytes are: Potassium: 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L
Sodium: 135 to 145 mmol/L
Calcium: 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL
Chloride: 96 to 106 mmol/L
Magnesium: 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL
Phosphate: 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL
Bicarbonate: 22 to 29 mmol/L
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Daily weight.
According to MDCalc, daily weight is the most accurate indicator of fluid loss or gain in acutely ill patients, as it reflects changes in total body water.
A weight change of 1 kg corresponds to a fluid change of approximately 1 L.
Choice B is wrong because intake and output measurements can be inaccurate or incomplete, and do not account for insensible fluid losses.
Choice C is wrong because serum osmolality reflects the concentration of solutes in the blood, not the volume of fluid.
Choice D is wrong because urine specific gravity reflects the concentration of solutes in the urine, not the volume of fluid.
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