A nurse is caring for a client who has hyponatremia and is receiving an infusion of a prescribed hypertonic solution.
Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the treatment is effective?
Improved cognition.
Cardiac arrhythmias absent.
Decreased vomiting.
Absent Chvostek’s sign.
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The client will need to have blood levels drawn to monitor the therapeutic and toxic levels of theophylline, a bronchodilator that is used to treat symptoms of asthma and other lung conditions. The normal range of theophylline in the blood is 10 to 20 mcg/mL.
Choice A is wrong because the client should not sprinkle the medication in applesauce or any other food. Theophylline is a sustained-release capsule that should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.
Choice B is wrong because the client should avoid caffeine while on this medication, as it can increase the side effects of theophylline, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and irregular heart rate.
Choice C is wrong because the client should not limit fluid intake while on this medication unless instructed by the doctor.
Fluid intake helps prevent dehydration and kidney problems that can affect theophylline levels in the blood.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Gastric bleeding can occur due to peptic ulcer disease, nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or anticoagulants.
Choice C is wrong because cough is not a common adverse effect of morphine administered via continuous epidural infusion.
Cough can be caused by respiratory infections, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Choice D is wrong because tachypnea is not a common adverse effect of morphine administered via continuous epidural infusion.
Tachypnea can be caused by hypoxia, anxiety, pain, or fever. Morphine can cause respiratory depression, which is characterized by bradypnea, not tachypnea.
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