A nurse is caring for a client with diabetes insipidus (DI). Which data warrants the most immediate intervention by the nurse?
Reference Range: Sodium 136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L)
Polyuria and excessive thirst
Serum sodium of 185 mEq/L (185 mmol/L)
Apical heart rate of 110 beats per minute
Dry skin with inelastic turgor
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Polyuria and excessive thirst are classic symptoms of diabetes insipidus and indicate the body's inability to retain water due to a lack of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). While these symptoms need to be managed, they are not immediately life-threatening compared to severe hypernatremia.
Choice B reason: A serum sodium level of 185 mEq/L (185 mmol/L) indicates severe hypernatremia, which is an immediate medical emergency. Severe hypernatremia can lead to neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and even coma due to the osmotic shift of water out of brain cells. Immediate intervention is required to correct the sodium imbalance and prevent serious complications.
Choice C reason: An apical heart rate of 110 beats per minute is indicative of tachycardia, which can be associated with dehydration and the body's response to maintain cardiac output. While it is a concern, it does not take precedence over the need to address severe hypernatremia.
Choice D reason: Dry skin with inelastic turgor is a sign of dehydration, which is a common issue in diabetes insipidus due to excessive fluid loss. While this requires attention, it is not as immediately critical as addressing severe hypernatremia, which poses a direct and urgent threat to the client's neurological and overall health.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["1.6"]
Explanation
Calculations
Step 1: Identify the prescribed dose.
- Prescribed dose = 8 mg
Step 2: Identify the concentration of the vial.
- Concentration = 10 mg per 2 mL
Step 3: Calculate the mL per mg.
- 2 mL ÷ 10 mg = 0.2 mL per 1 mg
Step 4: Calculate the required volume to administer.
- 8 mg × 0.2 mL/mg = 1.6 mL
Result
- The nurse should administer 1.6 mL to the client.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This option has some errors in the text. The correct explanation should note that carbidopa-levodopa does help reduce the tremors caused by Parkinson's disease, but it primarily works by increasing dopamine levels rather than by assisting other medications. The choice does not clearly state the main mechanism of action of carbidopa-levodopa.
Choice B reason: Carbidopa-levodopa is a combination drug used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain, helping to replenish the depleted dopamine levels. Carbidopa helps to prevent the breakdown of levodopa before it reaches the brain. This increases the amount of dopamine available, which is crucial for muscle function and reducing symptoms like tremors and rigidity.
Choice C reason: This option is incorrect because carbidopa-levodopa does not work by reducing inflammation. Instead, it focuses on restoring the balance of dopamine in the brain. Parkinson's disease is primarily a neurodegenerative disorder, not an inflammatory one, so this explanation does not align with the drug's mechanism of action.
Choice D reason: This option is also incorrect as it suggests that carbidopa-levodopa works by slowing the degeneration of the myelin sheath. Parkinson's disease involves the loss of dopamine-producing neurons, not the degeneration of myelin. Therefore, this explanation does not accurately reflect the drug's purpose or mechanism.
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