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.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
GERD can increase the risk of aspiration (inhalation of stomach contents into the lungs), which can cause respiratory issues, including abnormal breath sounds. In these cases, monitoring of breath sounds may be more appropriate than monitoring of bowel sounds.
Bowel sounds are not typically monitored for GERD patients as GERD is a condition that affects the esophagus and the stomach, not the intestines. GERD is caused by the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, which can cause symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation.
Abdominal girth is not routinely monitored for GERD patients as it is not typically related to the condition. GERD is a disorder that affects the esophagus and stomach and does not typically cause significant changes in abdominal size or girth. In rare cases, GERD can be complicated by a condition known as a para oesophageal hernia, which can cause a visible bulge in the abdomen. In these cases, monitoring of abdominal size and shape may be necessary.
The apical pulse is not routinely monitored for GERD patients as it is not directly related to the condition. GERD is a disorder that affects the digestive system, specifically the esophagus and stomach and does not typically have an impact on heart rate or rhythm.

Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Before administering any medication, the nurse should confirm the potassium level to ensure that it is still elevated and needs to be treated. Potassium levels can fluctuate, so repeating the test will ensure that the client receives the appropriate treatment.
Options (a) Withhold the medication and (b) Administering a hypertonic solution may be appropriate interventions depending on the client's condition, but confirming the potassium level is the first step.
Option (d) Monitoring for paresthesia is important but not the first action that the nurse should take.
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