A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a sodium level of 156 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Nausea and vomiting
Altered mental status
Dysrhythmias
Hypothermia
The Correct Answer is B
A. Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting can be present with hypernatremia (high sodium levels), but they are not the most prominent or specific symptom. The client may experience these symptoms, but they are usually accompanied by other signs.
B. Altered mental status: This is a common manifestation of hypernatremia. The elevated sodium level causes an osmotic imbalance, leading to water shifting out of cells, which results in neurological symptoms, including confusion, lethargy, or seizures.
C. Dysrhythmias: Dysrhythmias can occur with electrolyte imbalances, including hypernatremia, but the primary symptoms related to sodium levels are more often neurological in nature, such as confusion or altered mental status, rather than dysrhythmias specifically.
D. Hypothermia: Hypernatremia typically causes an increase in body temperature, not hypothermia. Elevated sodium levels cause dehydration, which could contribute to increased body temperature rather than cooling.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. BUN 20 mg/dL: This is not specific to HELLP syndrome. A BUN level of 20 mg/dL is within the normal range and does not indicate the presence of HELLP syndrome, which is associated with liver dysfunction and low platelet count.
B. Platelet count 77,000/mm3: This is correct. HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets) is characterized by a low platelet count, often less than 100,000/mm3, which is a critical indicator of this condition.
C. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL: This is a normal hemoglobin level and is not typically associated with HELLP syndrome, where hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) can cause anemia, which would lower hemoglobin levels.
D. WBC count 18,000/mm3: While an elevated WBC count can indicate infection or inflammation, it is not specifically associated with HELLP syndrome. The hallmark features of HELLP syndrome are low platelets and liver enzyme elevation, not elevated WBC.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Tinnitus with ear pain: While tinnitus can be a side effect of some medications, it is not associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). This symptom is more common with other medications or conditions, like aspirin or certain antibiotics, but not allopurinol.
B. Diplopia: Diplopia (double vision) is not a common sign of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This symptom could be related to other conditions but is not characteristic of SJS.
C. Hyperreflexia: Hyperreflexia is not a typical manifestation of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. While neurological symptoms may sometimes occur, they are not central to the diagnosis of SJS.
D. Skin rash with fever: A skin rash with fever is a classic early sign of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. It is a potentially life-threatening reaction to certain medications, including allopurinol, and requires immediate medical attention. The rash often begins with a mild erythema, which may progress to blistering and sloughing of the skin.
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