A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who is overusing prescribed diuretics and has a sodium level of 127 mEq/L. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?
High lipase.
High creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB).
Low hemoglobin.
Low urine specific gravity.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
High lipase is not a typical laboratory finding related to overusing prescribed diuretics and a sodium level of 127 mEq/L. Lipase is an enzyme involved in lipid digestion and is more relevant in assessing pancreatic function.
Choice B rationale:
High creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) is not associated with overusing prescribed diuretics or hyponatremia (low sodium level). CK-MB is a specific marker for myocardial damage and is usually elevated in conditions like myocardial infarction.
Choice C rationale:
Low hemoglobin is not directly related to overusing prescribed diuretics and a sodium level of 127 mEq/L. Low hemoglobin may indicate anemia or other hematological issues but this is not a typical finding in this scenario.
Choice D rationale:
The correct answer is low urine specific gravity. Overusing diuretics can lead to excessive urination, causing the urine to become more dilute with lower specific gravity. A low urine specific gravity indicates decreased urine concentration and can be a sign of fluid and electrolyte imbalances, including hyponatremia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Answer: A. Administer furosemide.
Rationales
A. Administer furosemide.
Furosemide, a loop diuretic, helps reduce fluid overload by promoting urinary excretion of sodium and water. In a client with cirrhosis and ascites, it decreases abdominal distention, eases breathing by reducing pressure on the diaphragm, and prevents complications related to severe fluid accumulation.
B. Weigh the client weekly.
Weekly weights would not provide sufficient monitoring for a client with ascites, since fluid retention can change rapidly within hours or days. Daily weights are necessary to detect subtle increases in fluid status and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
C. Offer the client a high-sodium diet.
A high-sodium diet would worsen fluid retention and ascites, as sodium promotes water retention. Instead, a low-sodium diet is indicated to limit further fluid buildup in the peritoneal cavity.
D. Administer heparin.
Heparin is not a standard intervention for cirrhosis with ascites. Because the diseased liver produces fewer clotting factors, clients are already at risk for bleeding, and anticoagulant therapy would heighten this risk without addressing the underlying problem of fluid accumulation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A 23-year-old client in skeletal traction may be at risk of pressure injuries, but being young and presumably healthier than the other options, this client may have a lower risk compared to the other choices.
Choice B rationale:
A 67-year-old client with coronary artery disease may be at risk of pressure injuries, especially if the client has limited mobility or is bedridden. However, coronary artery disease alone does not significantly increase the risk of pressure injuries.
Choice C rationale:
A 32-year-old client with a spinal cord injury is most at risk of developing a pressure injury. Spinal cord injuries often result in paralysis or limited mobility, leading to prolonged pressure on specific areas of the body, which can cause pressure ulcers.
Choice D rationale:
A 55-year-old client with emphysema may have compromised lung function, but this alone does not significantly increase the risk of pressure injuries. Pressure injuries are primarily related to immobility and pressure on specific body areas.
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