A client with a history of Addison's disease and flu-like symptoms accompanied by nausea and vomiting over the past week is brought to the facility. His wife reports that he acted confused and was extremely weak when he awoke that morning. The client's blood pressure is 90/58 mm Hg, his pulse is 116 beats/minute, and his temperature is 101° F (38.3° C). A diagnosis of acute adrenal insufficiency is made. What should the nurse expect to administer by I.V. infusion?
Methylprednisolone (Solu-medrol)
Hypotonic saline
Potassium (K-dur)
Regular Insulin
The Correct Answer is A
A. Methylprednisolone (Solu-medrol):
Explanation: Acute adrenal insufficiency is a life-threatening condition characterized by a sudden deficiency of adrenal hormones. In this situation, intravenous glucocorticoids such as methylprednisolone are administered to replace the deficient hormones and stabilize the patient. This is the appropriate intervention to address the acute adrenal crisis.
B. Hypotonic saline:
Explanation: Hypotonic saline is not the first-line treatment for acute adrenal insufficiency. The priority is to replace glucocorticoids to address the adrenal hormone deficiency.
C. Potassium (K-dur):
Explanation: While electrolyte imbalances can occur in adrenal insufficiency, potassium replacement alone does not address the primary issue of glucocorticoid deficiency in acute adrenal insufficiency.
D. Regular Insulin:
Explanation: Regular insulin is not the primary treatment for acute adrenal insufficiency. Glucocorticoid replacement, such as methylprednisolone, is the key intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Vitamin A Deficiency:
Symptoms: Enlarged tongue and smooth, beefy red appearance.
Relevance: Vitamin A deficiency is not typically associated with an enlarged tongue. It is more commonly linked to night blindness and skin issues.
B. Folic Acid Deficiency:
Symptoms: Enlarged tongue and smooth, beefy red appearance.
Relevance: Folic acid deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia and glossitis (inflammation of the tongue), which may present as an enlarged, smooth, and red tongue.
C. Vitamin B12 Deficiency:
Symptoms: Enlarged tongue and smooth, beefy red appearance.
Relevance: Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause pernicious anemia and glossitis, resulting in an enlarged, smooth, and red tongue.
D. Vitamin C Deficiency:
Symptoms: Not typically associated with an enlarged tongue.
Relevance: Vitamin C deficiency is more commonly associated with symptoms like scurvy, which includes bleeding gums, joint pain, and skin issues, but not specifically an enlarged tongue.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Respiratory Acidosis:
Explanation: Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is inadequate elimination of carbon dioxide, leading to an increase in PaCO2 and a decrease in blood pH. This is typically associated with conditions that impair ventilation.
B. Metabolic Alkalosis:
Explanation: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated blood pH and bicarbonate (HCO3-) concentration. It is not directly caused by hyperventilation but is often associated with conditions such as excessive vomiting or excessive bicarbonate intake.
C. Metabolic Acidosis:
Explanation: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in blood pH and bicarbonate concentration. It is not directly caused by hyperventilation but may result from conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis or lactic acidosis.
D. Respiratory Alkalosis:
Explanation: Hyperventilation is the most common cause of respiratory alkalosis. During hyperventilation, there is an excessive loss of carbon dioxide (CO2) through rapid breathing, leading to a decrease in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) in the blood. This results in an increase in blood pH, causing an alkalotic state.
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