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 A
Explanation
A. Floaters and flashes of light are classic symptoms of retinal detachment. When the retina begins to detach from the underlying tissue, it can cause these visual disturbances. Floaters are small, shadowy shapes that move across the field of vision, while flashes of light can occur due to the retina being stretched or pulled.
B. Cataracts primarily cause blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, and sensitivity to light, rather than floaters or flashes of light.
C. AMD generally affects central vision and can cause symptoms such as distorted vision, difficulty seeing in low light, and a loss of central vision. While AMD can cause vision changes, it is not typically associated with seeing floaters and flashes of light.
D. Open-angle glaucoma usually progresses slowly and is often asymptomatic in its early stages. It primarily affects peripheral vision, leading to a gradual loss of vision in the periphery.
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.
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