A client with Addison's disease becomes weak, confused, and dehydrated following the onset of an acute viral infection. The client's laboratory values include: sodium 129 mEq/L (129 mmol/L), glucose 54 mg/dl (2.97 mmol/L) and potassium 5.3 mEq/L (5.3 mmol/L).
When reporting the findings to the healthcare provider, the nurse anticipates a prescription for which intravenous medication?
Reference Ranges
- Sodium [Reference Range: Adult 136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L)
- Glucose (Reference Range: 0 to 50 years: 74 to 106 mg/dl. (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L))
- Potassium [Reference Range: 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)
Broad spectrum antibiotic.
Regular insulin.
Hydrocortisone.
Potassium chloride.
The Correct Answer is C
The client with Addison's disease is experiencing weakness, confusion, and dehydration, which can be indicative of an adrenal crisis. The low sodium level (129 mEq/L) and low glucose level (54 mg/dl) further support this suspicion. An acute viral infection can trigger an adrenal crisis in individuals with Addison's disease.
Intravenous hydrocortisone, a glucocorticoid, is the treatment of choice for managing an adrenal crisis. It helps to replenish cortisol levels and stabilize the client's condition.
Hydrocortisone helps in restoring the body's stress response and regulating electrolyte and glucose levels.
A broad-spectrum antibiotic may be necessary if there is evidence of a bacterial infection, but it does not directly address the symptoms associated with Addison's disease.
Regular insulin is used for managing high blood glucose levels in conditions such as diabetes, but in this case, the client has low glucose levels, so insulin is not the appropriate intervention.
Potassium chloride is a medication used to treat low potassium levels (hypokalemia), but the client's potassium level is within the reference range (5.3 mEq/L). Therefore, potassium chloride is not indicated in this situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["9"]
Explanation
Here are the steps you can follow to calculate the infusion pump flow rate:
Step 1: Calculate the prescribed dose in mcg/min
- Dose per weight: 2 mcg/kg/min * 60 kg = 120 mcg/min
Step 2: Convert the concentration in the IV bag to mcg/mL
- Convert mg to mcg: 200 mg * 1000 mcg/mg = 200,000 mcg
- Concentration: 200,000 mcg / 250 mL = 800 mcg/mL
Step 3: Calculate the flow rate in mL/min
- Flow rate: 120 mcg/min / 800 mcg/mL = 0.15 mL/min
Step 4: Convert the flow rate to mL/hour
- Hour conversion: 0.15 mL/min * 60 min/hour = 9 mL/hour
Therefore, the nurse should program the infusion pump to deliver 9 mL/hour.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Orlistat is a weight-control medication that works by inhibiting the absorption of dietary
fats in the intestines. It can also interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K) and beta-carotene. Therefore, it is important for the client to take a multivitamin supplement to ensure an adequate intake of these essential nutrients.
However, it is recommended to take the multivitamin and orlistat at least two hours apart. This is because orlistat can potentially interfere with the absorption of the
fat-soluble vitamins in the multivitamin if taken simultaneously. By spacing them apart, the client can optimize the absorption of both the medication and the multivitamin.
Multivitamins are not contraindicated during treatment with orlistat. In fact, they are often recommended to compensate for potential nutrient deficiencies.
While orlistat may contain some vitamins and minerals, it does not provide all the recommended daily amounts. Therefore, additional supplementation may be necessary. While following a well-balanced diet is indeed important for good nutrition, it does not address the need for specific nutrient supplementation when taking orlistat. Both a balanced diet and appropriate vitamin supplementation can be beneficial in this situation.
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