After brain surgery, a male client is lethargic and is having difficulty talking. His blood pressure is 146/122 mm Hg and his urine specific gravity is 1.055. These findings are consistent with which pathophysiological response to intracranial surgery?

Reference Range:

Urine Specific Gravity [1.005 to 1.03]

Hyposecretion of Antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH).

Hypopituitarism.

Septic shock.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

The clinical manifestations described in the scenario, including lethargy, difficulty talking, hypertension (blood pressure of 146/122 mm Hg), and elevated urine specific gravity (1.055), are indicative of Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH). Here's a breakdown of the rationale:

A) Hyposecretion of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH):

Hyposecretion of ADH would result in decreased levels of ADH, leading to increased urine output (polyuria) and low urine specific gravity. This condition is known as diabetes insipidus, characterized by excessive thirst and dilute urine. The elevated urine specific gravity in the scenario is inconsistent with diabetes insipidus. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

B) Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH):

Correct. SIADH is a condition characterized by excessive release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the posterior pituitary gland, leading to water retention, dilutional hyponatremia, and concentrated urine. The elevated urine specific gravity (1.055) in the scenario indicates concentrated urine, consistent with SIADH. Additionally, lethargy and difficulty talking are common neurological manifestations of hyponatremia, which can occur as a result of water retention in SIADH. The client's hypertension is likely a compensatory response to hyponatremia-induced cerebral edema. Therefore, SIADH is the most likely diagnosis in this context.

C) Hypopituitarism:

Hypopituitarism refers to deficient production of one or more pituitary hormones, which can lead to a variety of endocrine abnormalities depending on which hormones are affected. While it is possible for hypopituitarism to cause hyponatremia, the other clinical manifestations described in the scenario are not typically associated with this condition. Additionally, the elevated urine specific gravity is not consistent with hypopituitarism-induced hyponatremia. Therefore, this option is less likely.

D) Septic shock:

Septic shock is a life-threatening condition characterized by severe hypotension and tissue hypoperfusion due to systemic infection. While septic shock can cause altered mental status, hypotension (not hypertension), and oliguria (not concentrated urine), it is not typically associated with elevated urine specific gravity. Therefore, septic shock is not the most likely diagnosis in this context.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Hemodialysis is a renal replacement therapy used to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform this function adequately. The physiological processes involved in hemodialysis include:

A) Solute movement toward a solution with a higher concentration:

While solute movement occurs during hemodialysis, it is typically from a solution with a higher concentration to one with a lower concentration, rather than the opposite. This movement facilitates the removal of waste products and excess solutes from the bloodstream.

B) Water movement toward a solution with a lower solute concentration:

Correct. Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. In hemodialysis, water moves out of the bloodstream, across the semipermeable membrane of the dialyzer, and into the dialysate solution, which has a lower solute concentration. This process helps remove excess fluid from the body.

C) Blood cells and protein movement through the semipermeable membrane:

Blood cells and proteins are too large to pass through the pores of the semipermeable membrane in the dialyzer during hemodialysis. Therefore, the primary exchange occurs between smaller molecules such as urea, creatinine, electrolytes, and water.

D) Osmosis of water movement and diffusion of solute movement:

Correct. Hemodialysis involves both osmosis and diffusion. Osmosis refers to the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. Diffusion is the movement of solutes from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. Together, these processes facilitate the removal of waste products and excess fluid from the bloodstream during hemodialysis.

A. Small, skin-colored, pedunculated papules in areas of skin folds and on other areas as skin tags. B. Hyperpigmented areas that vary in form and color and are slightly elevated from the skin. C. Hyperactive sebaceous areas forming comedones, papules, pustules on the face, neck, and upper back. D. Sharply demarcated silvery scaling plaques with underlying redness on the elbows and knees.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition characterized by various types of lesions, including comedones, papules, and pustules, primarily affecting areas with a high density of sebaceous glands, such as the face, neck, chest, and upper back. Here's why option C is the correct choice:

A) Small, skin-colored, pedunculated papules in areas of skin folds and on other areas as skin tags:

This description is more characteristic of acrochordons or skin tags, which are benign skin growths commonly found in areas of friction or skin folds. Skin tags are not typically associated with acne vulgaris.

B) Hyperpigmented areas that vary in form and color and are slightly elevated from the skin:

This description suggests post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can occur after resolution of inflammatory lesions in acne vulgaris. However, it does not capture the primary pathological findings observed in active acne lesions.

C) Hyperactive sebaceous areas forming comedones, papules, pustules on the face, neck, and upper back:

Correct. Acne vulgaris is characterized by the formation of various lesions, including comedones (open and closed), papules, and pustules, resulting from the obstruction of hair follicles and overactivity of sebaceous glands. These lesions typically appear on areas with a high density of sebaceous glands, such as the face, neck, chest, and upper back.

D) Sharply demarcated silvery scaling plaques with underlying redness on the elbows and knees:

This description is more indicative of psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by sharply demarcated, raised, silvery scaling plaques commonly affecting extensor surfaces such as the elbows and knees. Psoriasis lesions are distinct from those seen in acne vulgaris.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which physiological process supports the exchange of blood concentrations across a semipermeable membrane in the hemodialysis?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a young adult who reports uncontrolled acne vulgaris. Which pathological findings should the nurse observe on inspection of skin areas commonly affected in acne vulgaris?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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