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 D
Explanation
The presence of purulent drainage at the wound indicates a potential infection, and monitoring the client's WBC count is an important laboratory value to assess for signs of infection. An elevated WBC count, specifically an increase in the neutrophil count (neutrophilia), can indicate an active infection and provide important information for the healthcare provider when evaluating the wound.
While hematocrit, platelet count, and creatinine level are essential laboratory values to assess the client's overall condition, they may not provide specific information regarding the presence of infection or purulent drainage at the wound site.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A) Correct- The duration of submersion is a critical factor in determining the potential level of hypoxemia. Prolonged submersion leads to a higher risk of severe hypoxia and its associated complications.
B) Incorrect- While water temperature can affect the body's response to submersion, it is not directly related to the level of hypoxemia. Hypoxemia primarily results from the lack of oxygen intake during submersion.
C) Correct- Witnessing the fall into the pool is important because immediate initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can improve the chances of a positive outcome. Bystander CPR can help maintain oxygenation and circulation until professional help arrives.
D) Correct- The oxygen concentration in the surrounding air is crucial for oxygen delivery to the body's tissues. In cases of submersion, the availability of oxygen in the air the child is breathing plays a role in determining the level of hypoxemia.
E) Incorrect- The weight of the child is not a significant factor in determining the level of hypoxemia during submersion. The primary determinants are factors like submersion duration, availability of oxygen, and prompt initiation of CPR.
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