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 A
Explanation
Following a pneumonectomy, it is important for the client to gradually resume normal activities and engage in social interactions. Encouraging family gatherings can provide emotional support, facilitate social connections, and help reduce feelings of isolation that the client may be experiencing.
While it is generally important for clients who have undergone a pneumonectomy to take precautions to reduce the risk of respiratory infections, such as avoiding crowded places and individuals with respiratory infections, completely avoiding social contact for several weeks is not necessary or realistic in most cases. It is essential to find a balance between protecting the client's health and promoting their emotional well-being and social integration.
Wearing a face mask during family events may not be necessary unless there is a specific concern about respiratory infections. The nurse can educate the client about the importance of good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with individuals who are actively ill with respiratory infections.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
It is important to assess the child's vital signs, including oxygen saturation (SaO2), to ensure their stability and identify any signs of respiratory distress or other abnormalities that may impact medication administration.
Prior to administering any medication, it is crucial to verify if the child has any known allergies to medications. This information is essential for ensuring the safety of the child and preventing any potential allergic reactions.
Before administering pain medication, the nurse must verify that the prescribed dosage is appropriate for the child's age, weight, and condition. Ensuring the correct dosage helps prevent medication errors and potential adverse effects.
It is important to use a validated pain assessment tool that is appropriate for the child's age and cognitive abilities. This allows for a comprehensive and accurate assessment of the child's pain level, helping guide appropriate pain management interventions.
Considering the child has cognitive and speech delays, the input from the parent regarding the child's pain is valuable. The nurse should assess and consider the parent's report of the child's pain in conjunction with other assessment findings to ensure effective pain management.
Subjective pain assessment is mentioned as a finding but may not require immediate action, as it needs to be combined with other assessment data for a comprehensive evaluation.
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