A client with diabetes insipidus (DI) has an average urinary output of 500 ml. of dilute urine every hour for the last 4 hours. Which laboratory test is most important for the nurse to monitor?
White blood cell count.
Capillary glucose.
Urine specific gravity.
Serum sodium.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale: White blood cell count monitors for infection or inflammation. While important for general health, it does not address the massive fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances specifically caused by diabetes insipidus.
Choice B rationale: Capillary glucose monitors for diabetes mellitus. Diabetes insipidus involves antidiuretic hormone deficiency, not insulin issues; therefore, glucose levels are not the priority in managing the massive dilute polyuria seen here.
Choice C rationale: Urine specific gravity will be consistently low in diabetes insipidus. While it confirms the diagnosis of dilute urine, it is less critical than monitoring the life-threatening systemic effects of dehydration.
Choice D rationale: Serum sodium is the most important lab to monitor. Massive loss of dilute urine leads to severe hemoconcentration and hypernatremia, which can cause cerebral edema, seizures, and permanent neurological damage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
After retinal detachment surgery, it is crucial to protect the eye and the surgical repair site from accidental trauma or pressure. Providing an eye shield helps to shield the eye during sleep when the client may not have conscious control over their movements.
This can help prevent inadvertent rubbing or bumping of the eye, which could potentially disrupt the surgical repair and hinder the healing process.
Obtaining vital signs every 2 hours during hospitalization is a routine nursing intervention for postoperative care in general but is not specific to retinal detachment surgery. The frequency of vital sign monitoring may vary depending on the client's overall condition and the healthcare provider's orders.
Teaching a family member to administer eye drops may be necessary for the client's ongoing care, but it is not specifically related to the immediate postoperative period. Eye drop administration instructions can be provided as part of the client's discharge teaching.
Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises is a general postoperative intervention that promotes respiratory function and helps prevent complications such as pneumonia. While important for overall postoperative care, it is not specific to retinal detachment surgery.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect- Genetically inherited disorders of family members: While a family history of certain disorders might provide some insight, it is not typically the primary cause of elevated serum magnesium levels in an older adult.
B) Correct- Elevated serum magnesium levels are commonly associated with chronic laxative use, especially those containing magnesium-based compounds. Laxatives can lead to excessive magnesium intake, causing hypermagnesemia.
C. Incorrect- Smoking is not a common cause of elevated serum magnesium levels.
D. Incorrect- While dietary sources can contribute to magnesium intake, chronic laxative use is a more likely cause in this context.
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