A patient is hospitalized with acute adrenal insufficiency. The nurse determines that the patient is responding favorably to treatment on finding:
Decreasing serum sodium
Decreasing blood glucose
Decreasing serum potassium
Increasing urinary output
The Correct Answer is D
One of the hallmarks of adrenal insufficiency is dehydration and decreased urinary output, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances such as hyperkalemia and hyponatremia. As treatment begins to take effect, the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance should improve, leading to an increase in urinary output. Acute adrenal insufficiency, also known as the Addisonian crisis, is a life-threatening condition caused by a sudden decrease in cortisol and aldosterone hormones. Treatment usually involves the administration of intravenous glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids to replace the deficient hormones.
Decreasing serum sodium (a) and decreasing blood glucose (b) are not signs of improvement but rather indicative of continued adrenal insufficiency. Decreasing serum potassium (c) is also not a sign of improvement as it could indicate that the patient is developing hyperkalemia, which is a potential complication of adrenal crisis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Cushing syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol hormone in the body. It can cause a variety of physical manifestations, including truncal obesity, thin arms, and legs, decreased axillary and pubic hair, hypertension, glucose intolerance, osteoporosis, and purple striae (stretch marks) on the abdomen.
Out of the options given, the nurse would expect to find purplish-red streaks on the abdomen as an additional manifestation of Cushing syndrome.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse's instruction to the patient is to take the antibiotic for the full 7 days, even if symptoms improve in a few days. This is because the full course of antibiotics is needed to eliminate the bacteria causing the UTI, even if the patient starts to feel better before the end of the treatment course. Failure to complete the full course of antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance and the recurrence of the infection. The other options are not appropriate or effective measures for managing a UTI with antibiotics.
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