A nurse is planning care for a client who has overhydration and hyponatremia. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan? (Select all that apply.)
Monitor neurological status.
Administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate as prescribed.
Provide oral hygiene frequently.
Restrict sodium intake as prescribed.
Encourage foods high in protein.
Correct Answer : A,D
Choice A reason:
Monitoring neurological status is a priority intervention for a client who has overhydration and hyponatremia because these conditions can cause cerebral edema, increased intracranial pressure, and altered mental status. The nurse should assess the client for signs of confusion, lethargy, seizures, and coma, and report any changes to the provider.
Choice B reason:
Administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate is not indicated for a client who has overhydration and hyponatremia. This medication is used to treat hyperkalemia by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestine. It has no effect on sodium levels or fluid balance.
Choice C reason:
Providing oral hygiene frequently is a supportive intervention for a client who has overhydration and hyponatremia, but it is not a priority. Oral hygiene can help prevent dry mouth, infections, and discomfort caused by fluid retention and electrolyte imbalance. However, it does not address the underlying causes or complications of the disorder.
Choice D reason:
Restricting sodium intake as prescribed is an essential intervention for a client who has overhydration and hyponatremia. Sodium intake can affect the serum sodium level and the fluid balance in the body. Excessive sodium intake can worsen fluid retention and edema, while inadequate sodium intake can exacerbate hyponatremia. The nurse should follow the provider's orders regarding sodium restriction and educate the client on how to avoid high-sodium foods and beverages.
Choice E reason:
Encouraging foods high in protein is not appropriate for a client who has overhydration and hyponatremia. Protein intake can affect the serum osmolality and the fluid distribution in the body. High-protein foods can increase the osmotic pressure in the blood vessels, drawing more fluid from the interstitial and intracellular spaces. This can worsen overhydration and hyponatremia by diluting the serum sodium level further. The nurse should consult with a dietitian regarding the optimal protein intake for the client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Decreased serum pH. This is incorrect because hypokalemia usually causes increased serum pH, not decreased. This is because low potassium levels can lead to metabolic alkalosis, a condition where the blood is too alkaline due to loss of acid from the body. This can happen in cases of vomiting, diuretic use, or mineralocorticoid excess.
Choice B:
Increased serum calcium. This is incorrect because hypokalemia does not directly affect serum calcium levels. However, hypokalemia can cause hypomagnesemia, or low magnesium levels, which can in turn cause hypercalcemia, or high calcium levels. This is because magnesium is needed for the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium balance in the body. Low magnesium levels can lead to increased PTH secretion and increased calcium reabsorption from the bones and kidneys.
Choice C:
Decreased serum magnesium. This is correct because hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia often occur together, especially in cases of chronic diarrhea, malabsorption, alcoholism, or diuretic use. This is because potassium and magnesium are both lost in the urine or stool when these conditions are present. Hypomagnesemia can also cause hypokalemia by impairing the reabsorption of potassium in the kidneys and increasing the entry of potassium into the cells.
Choice D:
Increased serum bicarbonate. This is incorrect because hypokalemia usually causes decreased serum bicarbonate, not increased. This is because low potassium levels can lead to metabolic acidosis, a condition where the blood is too acidic due to accumulation of acid in the body. This can happen in cases of diabetic ketoacidosis, renal tubular acidosis, or chronic kidney disease.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Administer magnesium sulfate IV. This is correct because magnesium sulfate is the treatment of choice for severe hypomagnesemia. It can rapidly increase the blood level of magnesium and correct the symptoms of deficiency.
Choice B reason:
Monitor the client's blood pressure and heart rate. This is incorrect because monitoring vital signs is not a specific intervention for hypomagnesemia. However, it is important to monitor the client for signs of hypotension and bradycardia, which can occur as adverse effects of magnesium sulfate therapy.
Choice C reason:
Encourage the client to increase intake of green leafy vegetables. This is correct because green leafy vegetables are rich sources of dietary magnesium. Increasing the intake of magnesium-rich foods can help prevent or treat mild hypomagnesemia.
Choice D reason:
Prepare to administer calcium gluconate IV. This is incorrect because calcium gluconate is not indicated for hypomagnesemia. Calcium gluconate is used to treat hypocalcemia, which can occur as a complication of hypomagnesemia. However, calcium gluconate should not be given until the magnesium level is corrected, as low magnesium can impair the response to calcium.
Choice E reason:
Assess the client for Chvostek's sign and Trousseau's sign. This is correct because Chvostek's sign and Trousseau's sign are clinical tests for neuromuscular irritability, which can occur in hypomagnesemia. Chvostek's sign is elicited by tapping the facial nerve in front of the ear and observing for facial twitching. Trousseau's sign is elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff above the systolic pressure for 3 minutes and observing for carpal spasm.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
