A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a sodium level of 128 mEq/L. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
Hyporeflexia.
Constipation.
Increased appetite.
Headache.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D: Headache.
Rationale for Choice D (Headache): Hyponatremia, defined as a serum sodium level below 135 mEq/L, can lead to various neurological symptoms due to the altered osmotic pressure in the brain cells. When the sodium level drops below normal, water moves into the cells, causing them to swell, which can lead to increased intracranial pressure and subsequent headaches. Therefore, a client with a sodium level of 128 mEq/L is likely to experience headaches as a manifestation of hyponatremia.
Rationale for other choices:
Choice A: Hyporeflexia Hyporeflexia refers to diminished or absent reflexes. While hyponatremia can affect neurological function, hyporeflexia is not a typical manifestation. Instead, hyperreflexia may occur in severe cases due to cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B: Constipation Constipation is not a common manifestation of hyponatremia. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping may occur, but constipation is not typically associated with sodium imbalances.
Choice C: Increased appetite Hyponatremia does not typically cause increased appetite. Instead, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and anorexia are more commonly observed. Increased appetite is not directly related to sodium levels but may be seen in conditions such as hyperthyroidism or certain medications.
Therefore, based on the provided data and typical manifestations of hyponatremia, the correct answer is Choice D: Headache. This is because headaches are a common neurological symptom associated with low sodium levels and increased intracranial pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Monitor the client for black, tarry stools.
Choice A rationale:
Administering clopidogrel with each meal is not necessary. Clopidogrel can be taken with or without food. The primary concern with clopidogrel is its potential to cause bleeding, so monitoring for signs of bleeding is more critical.
Choice B rationale:
Having suction equipment at the bedside is not specifically required for clients taking clopidogrel. This action is more relevant for clients at risk of airway obstruction or those undergoing procedures that might require suctioning.
Choice C rationale:
Monitoring the client for black, tarry stools is essential because it can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, a known side effect of clopidogrel. This medication increases the risk of bleeding, so observing for signs of internal bleeding, such as melena (black, tarry stools), is crucial.
Choice D rationale:
Initiating contact precautions is not necessary for clients taking clopidogrel. Contact precautions are typically used to prevent the spread of infections, not for managing clients on antiplatelet therapy.
By understanding these rationales, the nurse can ensure the safe administration and monitoring of clopidogrel therapy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Restricting visitation is an essential intervention during an influenza outbreak in a long-term care facility. Influenza is highly contagious and can spread rapidly among residents and staff in a close environment like a long-term care facility. By limiting visitation, the facility can reduce the risk of introducing the virus from the outside and help contain the outbreak. This is a preventive measure to protect vulnerable residents from exposure to the virus.
Choice B rationale:
Providing prophylactic antibiotics for clients who have been exposed to influenza is not a recommended intervention. Influenza is caused by a virus, not bacteria, so antibiotics are ineffective in preventing or treating the infection. Antibiotics should only be used to treat bacterial infections, not viral ones. Inappropriate use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance and other adverse effects.
Choice C rationale:
Implementing airborne precautions for clients who have influenza is not typically necessary. Influenza primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Standard precautions, such as proper hand hygiene and wearing masks when in close contact with infected individuals, are usually sufficient to prevent the spread of the virus. Airborne precautions are typically reserved for diseases that are transmitted through the airborne route, like tuberculosis.
Choice D rationale:
Assigning healthcare personnel to nondirect care activities for 24 hours after developing influenza symptoms is not a recommended intervention. While it's important for healthcare personnel to stay home when they are sick to prevent the spread of the virus, 24 hours may not be a necessary duration. The standard guideline for healthcare workers with influenza is to stay home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
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