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
Acetaminophen is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease1 and should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment or active liver disease. Alcohol use disorder can cause liver damage and increase the risk of acetaminophen toxicity.
Choice A is wrong because hepatitis B vaccine within the last week is not a contraindication for receiving acetaminophen.
There is no evidence that acetaminophen interferes with the immune response to the vaccine or causes adverse effects.
Choice B is wrong because chronic kidney disease is not a contraindication for receiving acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen is mainly metabolized by the liver and has minimal renal excretion.
However, patients with chronic kidney disease should consult their doctor before taking acetaminophen as they may have other conditions that affect its use.
Choice C is wrong because diabetes mellitus is not a contraindication for receiving acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen does not affect blood glucose levels or interact with oral antidiabetic drugs.
However, patients with diabetes mellitus should consult their doctor before taking acetaminophen as they may have other conditions that affect its use.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is because the umbilicus is a potential site of infection and should be avoided when administering subcutaneous heparin.
Choice B is wrong because massaging the site after administering the medication can cause bruising and hematoma formation.
Choice C is wrong because a 21-gauge needle is too large for subcutaneous injection and can cause tissue trauma and bleeding.
A smaller needle, such as 25- or 27-gauge, should be used.
Choice D is wrong because aspirating before injecting the medication can increase the risk of hematoma formation and is not recommended for subcutaneous heparin.
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