A client with a closed head injury demonstrates signs of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Which additional finding should the nurse expect to obtain?

For Potential Conditions:

The correct answer is c) Abdominal compartment syndrome.

Choice A reason: Pneumothorax is a condition where air leaks into the pleural space, causing lung collapse and impaired gas exchange. It can cause respiratory distress, hypoxia, chest pain, and decreased breath sounds on the affected side. However, it does not cause abdominal distension, acidosis, or hyperglycemia.

Choice B reason: Pulmonary embolism is a condition where a blood clot blocks one or more pulmonary arteries, causing impaired gas exchange and reduced blood flow to the lungs. It can cause respiratory distress, hypoxia, chest pain, and tachycardia. However, it does not cause abdominal distension, acidosis, or hyperglycemia.

Choice C reason: Abdominal compartment syndrome is a condition where increased intra-abdominal pressure causes reduced blood flow to the abdominal organs and impaired diaphragm movement. It can cause respiratory distress, hypoxia, abdominal distension, acidosis, decreased urine output, and organ failure. It is a common complication of cirrhosis with ascites.

Choice D reason: Sepsis is a condition where a systemic inflammatory response to an infection causes organ dysfunction and hypoperfusion. It can cause respiratory distress, hypoxia, fever or hypothermia, tachycardia, acidosis, and hyperglycemia. However, it does not cause abdominal distension unless there is an intra-abdominal infection.

The two actions the nurse should take to address abdominal compartment syndrome are:

• Prepare the client for a paracentesis: Paracentesis is a procedure where a needle or catheter is inserted into the peritoneal cavity to drain excess fluid and reduce intra-abdominal pressure.
• Place an intravenous line to start fluid boluses: Fluid boluses are given to maintain adequate blood pressure and perfusion to the vital organs.

The two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client’s progress are:

• Oxygen saturation: Oxygen saturation reflects the amount of oxygen bound to hemoglobin in the blood. It should be maintained above 90% to ensure adequate oxygen delivery to the tissues.
• Urine output: Urine output reflects the function of the kidneys and the perfusion of the renal arteries. It should be maintained above 0.5 mL/kg/hour to prevent acute kidney injury and electrolyte imbalances.

Choice A reason: Sweet potatoes are not a food that the client should avoid after passing a calcium oxalate renal stone, because they are low in oxalate, which is a substance that can combine with calcium in the urine and form stones. The client should limit foods that are high in oxalate, such as spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts, chocolate, tea, and wheat bran. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: Spinach salad is a food that the client should avoid after passing a calcium oxalate renal stone, because it is high in oxalate, which can increase the risk of stone formation. The client should consume foods that are low in oxalate, such as rice, corn, apples, grapes, peaches, and cheese. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: Bananas are not a food that the client should avoid after passing a calcium oxalate renal stone, because they are low in oxalate and high in potassium, which can help prevent stone formation. The client should increase the intake of fluids, calcium, and citrate, which can reduce the concentration of oxalate and calcium in the urine and inhibit stone formation. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Fish is not a food that the client should avoid after passing a calcium oxalate renal stone, because it is low in oxalate and high in protein, which can help maintain muscle mass and prevent weight loss. The client should moderate the intake of animal protein, such as meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products, which can increase the acidity of the urine and promote stone formation. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.