A nurse is assessing a client who is taking an osmotic laxative.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of fluid volume deficit?
Oliguria.
Nausea.
Headaches.
Weight gain.
The Correct Answer is A
Osmotic laxatives work by drawing water into the colon to soften the stool and stimulate bowel movements. However, excessive use of osmotic laxatives can cause fluid volume deficit, which is a state of reduced intravascular volume.
One of the signs of fluid volume deficit is oliguria, which means low urine output.
Choice B. Nausea is wrong because nausea is a common side effect of osmotic laxatives, not an indication of fluid volume deficit.
Choice C. Headaches is wrong because headaches are more likely to be caused by dehydration, which is a state of reduced total body water, mostly affecting the intracellular fluid compartment.
Dehydration can result from osmotic laxatives, but it is not the same as fluid volume deficit.
Choice D. Weight gain is wrong because weight gain is not a sign of fluid volume deficit.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A WBC count of 5,000/mm3 is low and could indicate leukopenia, a possible side effect of amitriptyline. Leukopenia increases the risk of infection and should be reported to the provider.
Choice B is wrong because a total bilirubin of 1.5 mg/dL is within the normal range of 0.3 to 1.9 mg/dL.
Choice C is wrong because a Hct of 44% is within the normal range of 37% to 48% for women and 45% to 52% for men.
Choice D is wrong because a potassium level of 4.2 mEq/L is within the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Hyponatremia is a condition where the sodium level in the blood is too low, which can cause confusion, lethargy, seizures, and coma. A hypertonic solution is a fluid that has a higher concentration of solutes than the blood, which can help raise the sodium level and reduce the brain swelling caused by hyponatremia. Therefore, improved cognition indicates that the treatment is effective.
Choice B. Cardiac arrhythmias absent.
Cardiac arrhythmias are not a common symptom of hyponatremia unless it is severe or rapid in onset.
Therefore, their absence does not necessarily indicate that the treatment is effective.
Choice C. Decreased vomiting.
Vomiting can be a cause or a consequence of hyponatremia, depending on the underlying condition.
Decreased vomiting may indicate that the patient is less nauseated, but it does not reflect the sodium level or the brain status.
Choice D. Absent Chvostek’s sign.
Chvostek’s sign is a facial twitching that occurs when tapping on the cheek, which indicates hypocalcemia (low calcium level).
It is not related to hyponatremia or hypertonic solution.
Normal ranges for sodium are 135 to 145 mEq/L and for calcium are 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL.
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