A nurse is caring for a client who has Addison’s disease and is at risk for Addisonian crisis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Weigh the client daily.
Restrict food intake.
Administer oral corticosteroids.
Provide a low carbohydrate diet.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Weigh the client daily: While monitoring weight is important for clients with Addison’s disease, it is not the primary action to prevent an Addisonian crisis. Daily weight monitoring helps track fluid balance and detect any sudden changes that might indicate complications, but it does not directly address the hormonal imbalance that characterizes Addisonian crisis.
Choice B Reason:
Restrict food intake: Restricting food intake is not recommended for clients with Addison’s disease. Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining energy levels and overall health. Clients with Addison’s disease need a balanced diet to manage their condition effectively. Restricting food intake could lead to malnutrition and exacerbate symptoms.
Choice C Reason:
Administer oral corticosteroids: This is the correct action. Addison’s disease is characterized by insufficient production of cortisol and aldosterone by the adrenal glands. Administering oral corticosteroids helps replace the deficient hormones and manage the symptoms of Addison’s disease. During an Addisonian crisis, immediate administration of corticosteroids is critical to prevent severe complications such as shock, coma, or even death.
Choice D Reason:
Provide a low carbohydrate diet: A low carbohydrate diet is not specifically recommended for clients with Addison’s disease. Instead, a balanced diet that includes adequate carbohydrates, proteins, and fats is essential. Carbohydrates are important for maintaining energy levels, especially since clients with Addison’s disease may experience fatigue and weakness. Restricting carbohydrates could lead to low blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous for these clients.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Stretch marks, also known as striae, are not specific to ascites. They can occur due to rapid weight gain or loss, pregnancy, or other conditions that cause the skin to stretch. While they may be present in individuals with ascites due to rapid abdominal expansion, they are not a primary clinical manifestation of ascites.
Choice B reason: Foul-smelling breath, or halitosis, is not a typical symptom of ascites. It can be associated with various conditions, including poor oral hygiene, gastrointestinal disorders, or liver disease, but it is not a direct indicator of ascites.
Choice C reason: Increased abdominal girth is a primary clinical manifestation of ascites. Ascites is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, leading to noticeable abdominal distension. This symptom is often accompanied by a feeling of fullness or bloating.
Choice D reason: Visible distended veins, particularly around the abdomen, can be a sign of ascites. This occurs due to increased pressure in the abdominal veins as a result of fluid accumulation. The veins become more prominent and visible under the skin.
Choice E reason: Rapid weight gain is another key indicator of ascites. The accumulation of fluid in the abdomen leads to a significant increase in body weight over a short period. This rapid weight gain is often one of the first signs that prompts further investigation for ascites.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Monitoring the QT interval is crucial when administering amiodarone because this drug can prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk of torsades de pointes, a potentially life-threatening form of ventricular tachycardia. The QT interval represents the time it takes for the heart’s ventricles to depolarize and repolarize, and prolongation can lead to arrhythmias. Regular monitoring helps in early detection and prevention of such adverse effects.
Choice B Reason:
Heart rate monitoring is essential when administering amiodarone because the drug can cause bradycardia (a slower than normal heart rate). Amiodarone affects the electrical conduction system of the heart, which can lead to significant changes in heart rate. Monitoring the heart rate ensures that any bradycardia is detected early and managed appropriately to prevent complications such as hypotension or heart failure.
Choice C Reason:
While respiratory rate monitoring is important in general patient care, it is not specifically necessary for monitoring the effects of amiodarone. Amiodarone primarily affects the heart’s electrical activity and has less direct impact on respiratory function. However, in cases of severe adverse reactions, such as pulmonary toxicity, respiratory monitoring may become relevant.
Choice D Reason:
Monitoring heart rhythm is vital when administering amiodarone because the drug is used to treat arrhythmias and can also cause new arrhythmias or exacerbate existing ones. Continuous ECG monitoring helps in detecting any abnormal heart rhythms early, allowing for timely intervention. This is particularly important in patients with a history of arrhythmias or those receiving high doses of amiodarone.
Choice E Reason:
Urine output monitoring is not specifically necessary for patients receiving amiodarone. While maintaining adequate urine output is important for overall patient health, amiodarone does not typically affect renal function directly. Therefore, urine output monitoring is not a primary concern when administering this medication.
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