A patient is admited with hypernatremia caused by being stranded on a boat in the Atlantic Ocean for two days without water. What is the patient at risk for developing?
Cerebral bleeding
Pulmonary edema
Cardiac arrhythmias
Seizures
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: Cerebral bleeding is incorrect because it is not a common complication of hypernatremia, which is a high sodium level in the blood. Cerebral bleeding can be caused by conditions such as head trauma, stroke, or aneurysm.
Choice B: Pulmonary edema is incorrect because it is a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs, causing shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Pulmonary edema can be caused by conditions such as heart failure, kidney failure, or lung injury.
Choice C: Cardiac arrhythmias is correct because it is a condition where the heart beats irregularly, too fast, or too slow. Cardiac arrhythmias can be caused by hypernatremia, which can affect the electrical activity and contractility of the heart muscle. Hypernatremia can also cause dehydration, hypovolemia, and hypotension, which can impair the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart.
Choice D: Seizures is incorrect because it is a condition where abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes convulsions, loss of consciousness, or altered behavior. Seizures can be caused by conditions such as epilepsy, brain tumor, or infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A: Bicarbonate excess is a sign of metabolic alkalosis, because this condition occurs when the body has too much bicarbonate or loses too much acid. This can happen in patients who have excessive vomiting, gastric suctioning, diuretic therapy, or antacid intake.
Choice B: Lethargy is a sign of metabolic alkalosis, because this condition affects the central nervous system and causes decreased level of consciousness, confusion, and drowsiness. Lethargy can also result from hypoxemia, which is a condition that occurs when the blood oxygen level is too low. This can happen in patients with metabolic alkalosis who have respiratory compensation and hypoventilation.
Choice C: Kussmaul's respirations are not a sign of metabolic alkalosis, but rather of metabolic acidosis. This is a condition that occurs when the body produces too much acid or loses too much bicarbonate. This can happen in patients who have diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, or lactic acidosis. Kussmaul's respirations are deep, rapid, and labored breathing that help to eliminate excess carbon dioxide and acid from the blood.
Choice D: Circumoral paresthesia is a sign of metabolic alkalosis, because this condition causes hypocalcemia, which is a condition that occurs when the blood calcium level is too low. This can happen in patients with metabolic alkalosis who have increased binding of calcium to albumin due to alkaline pH. Circumoral paresthesia is a tingling sensation around the mouth that indicates neuromuscular irritability.
Choice E: Flushing is not a sign of metabolic alkalosis, but rather of hypercalcemia, which is a condition that occurs when the blood calcium level is too high. This can happen in patients who have hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, or excessive calcium intake. Flushing is a reddening of the skin that indicates vasodilation and increased blood flow.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Sodium level is not a reliable measure of fluid retention because it can be affected by other factors such as diet, medication, and dehydration. Sodium level does not reflect the amount of water in the body.
Choice B: Daily weight is the most reliable measure of fluid retention because it reflects the changes in total body water. A weight gain of more than 0.5 kg (1 lb) in a day or 1.5 kg (3 lb) in a week indicates fluid retention.
Choice C: Intake and output is not a reliable measure of fluid retention because it does not account for insensible losses such as sweating, breathing, and fever. Intake and output can also be inaccurate due to measurement errors or incomplete records.
Choice D: Tissue turgor is not a reliable measure of fluid retention because it can be influenced by age, skin elasticity, and hydration status. Tissue turgor does not indicate the amount of fluid in the intravascular space.
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