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 C
Explanation
Choice A: Corticosteroid is incorrect because it does not directly affect the potassium level in the blood, although it can cause sodium and water retention, which can dilute the potassium concentration. Corticosteroid is a type of anti- inflammatory medication that can be used to treat conditions such as asthma, arthritis, or allergic reactions.
Choice B: Narcotic is incorrect because it does not directly affect the potassium level in the blood, although it can cause respiratory depression, which can lead to respiratory acidosis and hyperkalemia, or high potassium level. Narcotic is a type of analgesic medication that can be used to treat moderate to severe pain.
Choice C: Thiazide diuretic is correct because it is a type of medication that increases urine output and sodium excretion, but also causes potassium loss in the urine. Thiazide diuretic can be used to treat conditions such as hypertension, edema, or heart failure.
Choice D: Muscle relaxer is incorrect because it does not directly affect the potassium level in the blood, although it can cause muscle weakness, which can mimic the symptoms of hypokalemia. Muscle relaxer is a type of medication that can be used to treat conditions such as muscle spasms, back pain, or fibromyalgia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
- Choice A Reason: This is the correct answer because potassium 2.9 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which is a common and potentially lifethreatening adverse effect of furosemide. Hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and paralysis. The nurse should report this finding to the provider and monitor the client's vital signs and electrocardiogram.
- Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because calcium 8.2 mg/dL is within the normal range of 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL. Furosemide does not affect calcium levels significantly, and this result does not indicate an urgent problem for the client.
- Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because phosphorus 4.5 mEq/L is within the normal range of 2.5 to 4.5 mEq/L. Furosemide does not affect phosphorus levels significantly, and this result does not indicate an urgent problem for the client.
- Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because sodium 145 mEq/L is within the normal range of 135 to 145 mEq/L. Furosemide can cause hyponatremia, which is a low sodium level, but this result does not indicate that condition. The nurse should monitor the client's fluid balance and intake and output, but this result does not require immediate action.

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