A nurse is caring for an endurance athlete admitted for altered mental status. The client drank large amounts of water during a recent long-distance running event. The client is confused, complaining of a headache, and has a full bounding pulse. The nurse develops the plan of care based on the expectation that the client's lab work will demonstrate which of the following abnormalities?

Serum potassium 5.0 mEq/L

Serum osmolality 294 mmol/kg

Serum sodium of 127 mEq/L

Serum hemoglobin 15.7 grams/dL

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Serum potassium 5.0 mEq/L: This is within the normal range for serum potassium (3.5-5.0 mEq/L). While potassium levels are important, they are not the primary concern with symptoms of confusion and a bounding pulse due to excessive water intake.
B. Serum osmolality 294 mmol/kg: This value is within the normal range for serum osmolality (275-295 mmol/kg). Elevated or normal osmolality would not be expected in a case of water intoxication, which dilutes serum electrolytes.
C. Serum sodium of 127 mEq/L: A serum sodium level of 127 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, a condition often caused by excessive water intake that dilutes the sodium in the bloodstream. Symptoms such as confusion, headache, and a full bounding pulse are consistent with hyponatremia, making this the expected abnormality.
D. Serum hemoglobin 15.7 grams/dL: This is within the normal range for hemoglobin (12-16 grams/dL for women and 13.8-17.2 grams/dL for men). Hemoglobin levels would not be expected to change significantly due to water intoxication.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Ask why the client is taking steroid therapy: While understanding the reason for steroid therapy is important, it does not address the immediate need to manage the medication administration.
B. Notify the surgeon immediately: Notifying the surgeon might be necessary if there are specific concerns, but it is not the most immediate action regarding medication administration.
C. Administer an IV equivalent dose of Prednisone: Since the client is NPO, administering an oral medication could be contraindicated. Administering an IV equivalent ensures the client receives the necessary steroid therapy without risking complications from taking oral medication while fasting.
D. Give the oral steroid with a small sip of water: This may not be appropriate due to the NPO status, which typically restricts oral intake.

A. Intraosseous line B. Intrathecal catheter C. Peripheral intravenous line D. Subcutaneous implantable port E. Subcutaneous implantable port

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Intraosseous line: Intraosseous lines are used for emergency situations when peripheral access is not available, and are not suitable for long-term chemotherapy administration due to the risk of complications and discomfort.
B. Intrathecal catheter: Intrathecal catheters are used for delivering medication directly into the spinal canal. They are not suitable for systemic chemotherapy administration, which requires vascular access.
C. Peripheral intravenous line: Peripheral intravenous lines are typically used for short-term treatments. They are not ideal for long-term chemotherapy because they need frequent replacement, and the veins can become damaged from prolonged use of chemotherapeutic agents.
D. Subcutaneous implantable port: A subcutaneous implantable port is the best option for long-term chemotherapy. It is implanted under the skin, reducing the risk of infection, and provides a stable and reliable access point for repeated treatments over several months.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is scheduled for surgery at 0800 and has been NPO (nothing by mouth) since midnight. They have been taking long-term oral steroids and are scheduled for their routine dose of Prednisone 30 mg PO to be administered at 0600. Which nursing action is most appropriate?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with leukemia is expected to require chemotherapy for several months. Which type of IV line will best meet the client's needs?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse working in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) is caring for a post-operative client that just had pelvic surgery. The nurse anticipates assessing for what post-operative complaint related to spinal anesthesia?

A client with acute pain is prescribed a sustained-release opioid that is administered every 12 hours. After 6 hours, the client complains of increasing pain that is rated as 9/10. Which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate to address the client's pain?

Which client response best supports the decision to discharge the client from the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit?

After ensuring a postoperative client has a patent airway, what is the next most important nursing assessment?

A 28-year-old client is admitted to the hospital with severe bleeding from a fractured femur. Which intravenous fluid should the nurse anticipate will be ordered for volume replacement?

Which of the following assessment findings should alert the nurse that a client's IV has infiltrated? (Select All That Apply)

After receiving the change of shift report, the nurse reviews the electronic health record for each client. What client should the nurse see first?

The nurse is taking a medication history of a client scheduled for surgery the next morning. Which medication requires the nurse to immediately notify the surgeon?