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 A
Explanation
A. IV administration of 50% dextrose in water:
This is the correct answer. The client is severely hypoglycemic, and IV administration of 50% dextrose in water is the most rapid way to raise the blood glucose level in an emergency situation.
B. IV bolus of 5% dextrose in 0.45% NaCl:
While this solution contains dextrose, it is not as concentrated as 50% dextrose. In an emergency, a more concentrated solution is needed to rapidly correct severe hypoglycemia.
C. Administer 4 oz. clear juice:
Oral intake may be too slow in this critical situation. IV administration is more appropriate for rapidly raising the blood glucose level.
D. Subcutaneous administration of 12 to 15 units of regular insulin:
This would further lower the blood glucose level and is not appropriate for treating severe hypoglycemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "I can eat a salad with oil and vinegar dressing":
Explanation: This statement is correct. A salad with oil and vinegar dressing is a healthy option, and the patient does not need to avoid this.
B. "I can cook soup using canned vegetables":
Explanation: This statement is generally acceptable. However, the patient should be aware of the sodium content in canned vegetables and choose low-sodium options to manage fluid retention, which can be a concern in Cushing's syndrome.
C. "I can eat dried fruit for breakfast with my oatmeal":
Explanation: This statement is questionable. Dried fruits may have higher sugar content and can contribute to an increase in calorie intake. In Cushing's syndrome, where there may be weight gain, it's advisable to choose fresh fruits over dried ones.
D. "I can eat baked chicken with green beans for dinner":
Explanation: This statement is correct. Baked chicken with green beans is a healthy and balanced option.
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