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?
Weight gain of 2 pounds (0.91 kg) in one day.
Fremitus over the chest wall.
Serum sodium of 150 mEq/L (150 mmol/L).
Urine specific gravity of 1.004.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Weight gain of 2 pounds (0.91 kg) in one day is a sign of fluid retention, which occurs in SIADH due to excessive secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH causes the kidneys to reabsorb water and reduce urine output, leading to hyponatremia and hypervolemia.
Choice B reason: Fremitus over the chest wall is a sign of increased vibration or air movement in the lungs, which can indicate pneumonia, bronchitis, or pleural effusion. These are not related to SIADH, but may be complications of head injury or fluid overload.
Choice C reason: Serum sodium of 150 mEq/L (150 mmol/L) is a sign of hypernatremia, which is a high level of sodium in the blood. This is the opposite of what happens in SIADH, where sodium levels are low due to dilution by excess water.
Choice D reason: Urine specific gravity of 1.004 is a sign of diluted urine, which indicates low concentration of solutes in the urine. This is also the opposite of what happens in SIADH, where urine is concentrated and has a high specific gravity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Irregular ulcer shapes and severe edema are characteristic of venous ulcers, which are caused by impaired venous return and increased capillary pressure. Venous ulcers are usually located near the medial malleolus and have a shallow depth.
Choice B reason: Hairless lower extremities and cool feet are signs of arterial insufficiency, which reduces blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues. Arterial ulcers are usually located on the toes, heels, or lateral malleoli and have a deep, punched-out appearance.
Choice C reason: Black ulcers and dependent rubor are also signs of arterial insufficiency, indicating tissue necrosis and inflammation. Dependent rubor is a reddish-blue color of the lower extremity that occurs when the leg is lowered below the level of the heart.
Choice D reason: Absent pedal pulses and shiny skin are also signs of arterial insufficiency, indicating reduced blood flow and atrophy of the skin. The skin may also be dry, scaly, or cracked.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Potassium 4.7 mEq/L (4.70 mmol/L) is within the normal reference range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L). Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the balance of fluids and acids in the body, as well as the function of nerves and muscles. A high potassium level (hyperkalemia) can cause muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, and cardiac arrest. A low potassium level (hypokalemia) can cause muscle cramps, fatigue, and arrhythmias.
Choice B reason: Magnesium 2.1 mEq/L (0.86 mmol/L) is within the normal reference range of 1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L (0.65 to 1.05 mmol/L). Magnesium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the activity of enzymes, muscles, and nerves, as well as the balance of calcium and potassium in the body. A high magnesium level (hypermagnesemia) can cause nausea, vomiting, flushing, muscle weakness, and respiratory depression. A low magnesium level (hypomagnesemia) can cause muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice C reason: Calcium 6.5 mg/dL (1.63 mmol/L) is below the normal reference range of 9 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.3 to 2.6 mmol/L). Calcium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the function of muscles, nerves, bones, and blood clotting. A high calcium level (hypercalcemia) can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, kidney stones, and bone pain. A low calcium level (hypocalcemia) can cause muscle spasms, cramps, tingling, numbness, and stridor (a high-pitched sound when breathing). **This is a critical value that should be immediately reported to the healthcare provider**, as it can indicate a serious condition such as acute pancreatitis, sepsis, or massive blood transfusion.
Choice D reason: Sodium 135 mEq/L (135 mmol/L) is slightly below the normal reference range of 136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L). Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the balance of fluids and acids in the body, as well as the function of nerves and muscles. A high sodium level (hypernatremia) can cause thirst, dry mouth, confusion, seizures, and coma. A low sodium level (hyponatremia) can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, muscle weakness, and confusion.
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