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
A) Incorrect- This test is used to assess for infection or inflammation and is not specifically related to monitoring diabetes insipidus.
B) Incorrect- This test is used to monitor blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes mellitus, not diabetes insipidus.
C) Incorrect- While urine specific gravity can provide information about urine concentration, it is not the most important laboratory test to monitor in a client with diabetes insipidus. Serum sodium level is a more critical indicator of electrolyte balance and potential complications in DI.
D) Correct- Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a condition characterized by excessive thirst and urination due to the body's inability to regulate fluid balance. In DI, the body either lacks antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys, or the kidneys are resistant to its effects. As a result, clients with DI can produce large volumes of dilute urine. The most significant concern in DI is the potential for electrolyte imbalances, particularly low serum sodium levels (hyponatremia). Excessive loss of water in the urine can lead to dehydration and concentration of the blood's sodium levels. This can result in neurological symptoms, such as confusion, seizures, and even coma. Monitoring the serum sodium level is crucial to ensure that it remains within a safe range.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The Ortolani maneuver is a physical examination technique used to assess for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in newborns. During the maneuver, the nurse gently abducts the infant's hips and applies gentle pressure to detect any instability or "click" at the hip joint. A positive Ortolani maneuver, where a click or clunk is felt or heard, can indicate the presence of a hip dislocation or dysplasia.
Asymmetrical buttocks can be a sign of hip dysplasia in newborns, and a positive Ortolani maneuver is an important finding that suggests a potential hip joint problem. Reporting this assessment test result to the healthcare provider allows for further evaluation and appropriate management of the newborn's hip condition.
The Plumb line test, which assesses fetal position curvature, is not directly related to hip dysplasia and may not be significant in this context.
The Babinski test, which reveals fanning out of the toes, is used to assess the integrity of the infant's neurological system and is not specific to hip dysplasia.
The Moro test, also known as the startle response, is a reflex assessment used to evaluate the newborn's neurological and sensory function. While it is important to assess the overall neurological status of the newborn, the Moro test is not specific to hip dysplasia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect- While providing comfort measures like blankets and warm drinks can help the client feel more comfortable, they do not address the underlying thyroid hormone imbalance.
B) Incorrect- Hemoglobin level is not directly related to the client's symptoms or the thyroid hormone imbalance. Monitoring hemoglobin is important in assessing anemia but is not the priority in this case.
C) Correct- The client's symptoms (raspy voice, cold intolerance, fatigue) along with an elevated TSH and low T3 and T4 levels suggest hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism. Administering the prescribed dose of levothyroxine is crucial to address the thyroid hormone imbalance and alleviate the symptoms.
D. Incorrect- Non-pitting edema is not a common symptom of hypothyroidism. The client's symptoms and lab results are more indicative of hypothyroidism, and addressing the thyroid hormone imbalance is the priority.
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