A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and has a history of Addison’s disease. For which of the following manifestations should the nurse monitor?
Hypernatremia
Bradycardia
Hypotension
Hypokalemia
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: Hypernatremia. This is not a manifestation that the nurse should monitor for in a client who is postoperative and has a history of Addison’s disease. Hypernatremia is a high level of sodium in the blood, which can be caused by dehydration, excessive sodium intake, or kidney dysfunction. It is not related to Addison’s disease or cortisol and aldosterone levels.
Choice B: Bradycardia. This is not a manifestation that the nurse should monitor for in a client who is postoperative and has a history of Addison’s disease. Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, which can be caused by vagal stimulation, medication side effects, or cardiac disorders. It is not related to Addison’s disease or cortisol and aldosterone levels.
Choice C: Hypotension. This is a manifestation that the nurse should monitor for in a client who is postoperative and has a history of Addison’s disease, which is a condition that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol is a hormone that regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and helps the body cope with stress. Aldosterone is a hormone that regulates the balance of sodium and potassium in the blood and fluid volume. Addison’s disease can cause hypotension, which is a low blood pressure, due to decreased aldosterone production and fluid loss.
Choice D: Hypokalemia. This is not a manifestation that the nurse should monitor for in a client who is postoperative and has a history of Addison’s disease. Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium in the blood, which can be caused by diuretics, vomiting, diarrhea, or alkalosis. It is not related to Addison’s disease or cortisol and aldosterone levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Drinking orange juice regularly. This is a contributing factor to the client’s heartburn because orange juice is acidic and can irritate the esophageal mucosa and lower esophageal sphincter, causing reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus.
Choice B: Eating dinner early in the evening. This is not a contributing factor to the client’s heartburn, but rather a recommended action for the client to prevent heartburn. The client should avoid eating within 3 hours of bedtime to allow for gastric emptying and reduce the risk of reflux.
Choice C: Consuming low-fat meats. This is not a contributing factor to the client’s heartburn, but rather a recommended action for the client to prevent heartburn. The client should avoid high-fat foods, which can delay gastric emptying and increase intra-abdominal pressure, leading to reflux.
Choice D: Sleeping on a large wedge-style pillow. This is not a contributing factor to the client’s heartburn, but rather a recommended action for the client to prevent heartburn. The client should elevate the head of their bed or use a wedge pillow to create an incline that prevents gastric contents from flowing back into the esophagus.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: “Monitor blood glucose levels every 4 hours.” This is the priority action for the nurse to recommend to the client because it will help them detect and prevent hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, which can lead to serious complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis or cerebral edema.
Choice B: “Consume 15 grams of carbohydrates every 1 to 2 hours.” This is an important action for the nurse to recommend to the client, but not the priority. The client should consume carbohydrates to prevent hypoglycemia, especially if they have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, but this should be done after monitoring their blood glucose levels.
Choice C: “Drink 8 ounces of fluid every hour while awake.” This is a necessary action for the nurse to recommend to the client, but not the priority. The client should drink fluids to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can worsen hyperglycemia, but this should be done after monitoring their blood glucose levels.
Choice D: “Take the usual dosage of insulin.” This is a required action for the nurse to recommend to the client, but not the priority. The client should take their insulin as prescribed to control their blood glucose levels, but this should be done after monitoring their blood glucose levels and adjusting the dosage if needed.
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