A nurse on a mental health unit is admitting a client.
Exhibits
Select the 3 client findings the nurse should recognize as manifestations of water intoxication.
Activity level
White blood cell count
Sodium level
Potassium level
Hallucinations
Correct Answer : A,C,E
A. Activity level: Restlessness, pacing, and inability to remain seated are early neurological manifestations of water intoxication, stemming from cerebral edema related to hyponatremia. These signs often precede more severe symptoms like seizures.
B. White blood cell count: A count of 9,100/mm³ is within normal limits and does not indicate water intoxication. This value is unrelated to the dilutional effects of excessive fluid intake.
C. Sodium level: A sodium of 130 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which is a hallmark laboratory finding in water intoxication due to dilutional effects from excess fluid intake. Low sodium can cause neurological changes and altered mental status.
D. Potassium level: A potassium of 3.6 mEq/L is within the normal range and does not support a diagnosis of water intoxication. Potassium is less affected by acute overhydration compared to sodium.
E. Hallucinations: Responding to unseen stimuli can occur when hyponatremia causes cerebral swelling, disrupting normal brain function. In clients with psychotic disorders, excess water intake can exacerbate hallucinations or make them more pronounced.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "I will hang a pastel-colored mobile 24 inches above my baby's crib.": Newborns can only see objects clearly 8–12 inches away and are more attracted to bold patterns and contrasting colors. A mobile 24 inches away would be too far for visual stimulation.
B. "I will place a ticking clock nearby to soothe my baby throughout the day.": Rhythmic sounds, such as a ticking clock, can mimic the intrauterine environment and help calm newborns. This is an appropriate soothing technique for a 1-week-old.
C. "I will avoid picking up my baby too often to keep from spoiling him.": Holding and responding promptly to a newborn’s needs promotes bonding, emotional security, and healthy development. At this age, infants cannot be spoiled.
D. "I can use a firm pillow to prop up the bottle when feeding my baby.": Propping bottles increases the risk of choking, aspiration, and otitis media. Infants should always be held during feedings for safety and bonding.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Increased creatinine: Chronic kidney disease reduces the kidneys’ ability to filter waste products effectively, causing creatinine to accumulate in the blood. Elevated creatinine is a key indicator of declining renal function and is expected in this condition.
B. Increased calcium: Clients with chronic kidney disease often have decreased calcium levels due to impaired vitamin D activation and phosphate retention. Increased calcium would be unusual unless the client is receiving supplementation.
C. Increased bicarbonate: Metabolic acidosis is common in chronic kidney disease because the kidneys cannot adequately excrete hydrogen ions or reabsorb bicarbonate. This typically results in decreased, not increased, bicarbonate levels in the blood.
D. Increased hemoglobin: Anemia frequently occurs in chronic kidney disease due to reduced erythropoietin production by the kidneys. This leads to lower hemoglobin levels, so an increase would not be expected unless treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.
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