A nurse is caring for a client who has undergone a bilateral adrenalectomy. The nurse monitors for which of the following signs of Addisonian crisis?
Hypernatremia
Fluid volume overload
Hypokalemia
Hypoglycemia
The Correct Answer is D
A. Hypernatremia (elevated sodium levels) is not a common sign of Addisonian crisis. In Addisonian crisis, the lack of aldosterone leads to sodium loss, which often results in hyponatremia (low sodium levels) rather than hypernatremia. The patient might also experience dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, but hypernatremia is not typical in this scenario.
B. Fluid volume overload is not characteristic of Addisonian crisis. Instead, Addisonian crisis often leads to fluid volume deficit due to the loss of aldosterone, which impairs sodium and water retention. This can result in dehydration and low blood volume rather than fluid overload.
C. Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) is not typically associated with Addisonian crisis. In fact, the lack of aldosterone in Addisonian crisis leads to potassium retention, resulting in hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels). Therefore, monitoring for hypokalemia is not relevant in the context of Addisonian crisis following a bilateral adrenalectomy.
D. Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) is a key sign of Addisonian crisis. Cortisol plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism and maintaining blood glucose levels. With the loss of cortisol production after a bilateral adrenalectomy, patients may experience hypoglycemia, which can be a critical indicator of Addisonian crisis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. This action is crucial if there is a suspicion of elder abuse, as adult protective services (APS) can investigate the situation thoroughly and take necessary measures to protect the client. However, before making such a notification, it is important to assess the immediate safety of the client and gather preliminary information.
B. This is a prudent initial action to ensure that the client is in a safe environment away from the caregiver, who may be the suspected abuser. It allows the nurse to conduct a private and thorough assessment of the client without the potential influence or intimidation from the caregiver. This step is critical for ensuring the client's safety and obtaining unbiased information.
C. While reporting to the caregiver’s employment agency may be a step in the process, it is not the immediate priority. The primary focus should be on ensuring the client’s safety and assessing the situation before contacting external agencies.
D. While it is important to gather information about how the injury occurred, the immediate priority is to ensure the client's safety and provide an opportunity for a private assessment. The presence of the caregiver during this conversation could influence the client's responses or cause additional stress.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL is within the upper range of normal but may be slightly elevated depending on the baseline level pre-transplant and individual patient factors. For a client 3 months post- transplant, this level could indicate stable kidney function or a mild increase but is not necessarily indicative of a significant complication.
B.A 24-hour urine output of 1,800 mL is within the normal range for adults (about 1,000 to 2,000 mL per day). This level of urine output suggests that the transplanted kidney is functioning adequately in terms of urine production.
C. An elevated white blood cell count of 13,500/mm³ could indicate an infection or inflammation. This finding is relevant in the context of post-transplant care because patients are at increased risk for infections due to immunosuppressive therapy and the surgical procedure. An elevated WBC count could also suggest an acute rejection episode, as rejection can cause inflammation and an immune response.
D. A BUN level of 18 mg/dL is within the normal range but on the higher end. It might suggest some level of kidney impairment, but it is not necessarily indicative of a severe complication on its own.
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