A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a sodium level of 155 mEq/L. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
Cool, clammy skin.
Increased salivation.
Hypertension.
Decreased level of consciousness.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Cool, clammy skin is not a typical manifestation of hypernatremia (high sodium levels). Hypernatremia is characterized by an excess of sodium in the blood, which typically leads to symptoms such as thirst, dry mucous membranes, and decreased skin turgor. Cool, clammy skin is more often associated with conditions like shock or hypoglycemia.
Choice B rationale:
Increased salivation is not a common manifestation of hypernatremia. Instead, hypernatremia often leads to signs of dehydration, including dry mouth and decreased salivation.
Choice C rationale:
Hypertension is not a direct manifestation of hypernatremia. Hypernatremia can cause increased blood pressure, but it is not one of the typical clinical signs of hypernatremia. Hypertension is more commonly associated with conditions like high sodium intake, kidney disease, or primary hypertension.
Choice D rationale:
A decreased level of consciousness is a significant manifestation of hypernatremia. Elevated sodium levels in the blood can lead to cellular dehydration, affecting brain cells and resulting in neurological symptoms such as confusion, lethargy, and decreased consciousness. Severe hypernatremia can even lead to seizures and coma. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Extreme thirst is not a typical finding in a client with hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is an electrolyte imbalance that can lead to symptoms like weakness and irregular heartbeats, but extreme thirst is not a direct result of low potassium levels.
Choice B rationale:
"Weak, irregular pulse" is the correct response. Hypokalemia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, which may manifest as a weak, irregular pulse. Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining the electrical activity of the heart, and low levels can disrupt normal heart rhythms.
Choice C rationale:
Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with hypokalemia. Instead, you might expect diminished or absent bowel sounds in severe cases due to muscle weakness.
Choice D rationale:
Hyperactive reflexes are not typically associated with hypokalemia. Instead, hypokalemia can lead to muscle weakness and potentially even paralysis in severe cases.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A client who takes glyburide for type 2 diabetes mellitus is not at significant risk for developing digoxin toxicity. Glyburide is an antidiabetic medication and does not interact directly with digoxin.
Choice B rationale: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can cause electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalemia (normal potassium levels: 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L) and hypomagnesemia (normal magnesium levels: 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL). These imbalances increase the sensitivity to digoxin and the risk of toxicity. Digoxin toxicity is associated with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and arrhythmias. Furosemide's impact on electrolytes makes it a significant risk factor for digoxin toxicity.
Choice C rationale: Cimetidine, a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, can inhibit the metabolism of certain drugs by affecting liver enzymes. However, it does not significantly alter digoxin levels or increase the risk of toxicity. Normal liver enzyme levels include ALT (7 to 56 U/L) and AST (10 to 40 U/L). While cimetidine may interact with other medications, its effect on digoxin is minimal.
Choice D rationale:
A client who takes azelastine for allergic rhinitis is not at significant risk for developing digoxin toxicity. Azelastine is an antihistamine and does not interact directly with digoxin.
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