An older adult nursing home resident who has always been alert and oriented is now showing signs of dehydration and has become confused. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely involved?

Hypercalcemia

Hypomagnesemia

Hyponatremia

Hypernatremia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Hypercalcemia: Hypercalcemia may cause confusion but is less likely associated with dehydration.

B. Hypomagnesemia: This can cause neuromuscular symptoms but is less commonly linked to confusion in dehydration.

C. Hyponatremia: Low sodium levels disrupt brain cell function, leading to confusion and neurological symptoms, which are common in dehydrated older adults.

D. Hypernatremia: While dehydration may cause hypernatremia, it is less likely to present with confusion in this context compared to hyponatremia.

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Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"B"}

Explanation

Answer: I. Temperature
II. Antibiotic therapy

I. Temperature: The client has a fever (37.3°C), which can be a sign of infection or another serious condition. The first priority is to address the fever, as it may indicate a systemic infection, which needs immediate intervention. Fever is usually managed with antipyretics such as acetaminophen.

II. Antibiotic therapy: Since the client has a fever and possible infection, antibiotic therapy should be initiated early (as per the provider’s orders) to treat the suspected infection. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are often started while waiting for culture results.

A. BP 178/90 mm Hg B. Red mucous membranes C. Skin tenting D. Jugular vein distention

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. BP 178/90 mm Hg: High blood pressure can be seen in various conditions, including stress or pain. Dehydration typically leads to low blood pressure, not high, making this less likely to be an indicator of dehydration.

B. Red mucous membranes: Red mucous membranes can indicate a variety of conditions, including infection or inflammation, but it is not a classic sign of dehydration.

C. Skin tenting: Skin tenting, or the inability of the skin to return to normal after being pinched, is a classic sign of dehydration, particularly in moderate to severe cases. This indicates reduced skin turgor and is directly related to fluid volume depletion.

D. Jugular vein distention: Jugular vein distention is more indicative of fluid overload or increased central venous pressure, not dehydration.

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An older adult nursing home resident who has always been alert and oriented is now showing signs of dehydration and has become confused. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely involved?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assisting in the care of a client in the emergency department. Exhibits Complete the following sentence by using the list of options. The nurse should first address the client's dropdown followed by the client's dropdown .

Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"B"}

Explanation

A nurse is collecting data from a client. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the charge nurse as an indicator of dehydration?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

An older adult nursing home resident who has always been alert and oriented is now showing signs of dehydration and has become confused. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely involved?

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