An older client receiving continuous tube feedings develops restlessness, agitation, and weakness. Which laboratory results are related to this finding, and should be reported to the health care provider immediately?
Glucose: 88 mg/dL
White Blood Cells (WBCs): 4000 (normal: 4,500- 11,000)
K+: 3.4 mEq/L
Na+: 154 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This statement is false. Glucose: 88 mg/dL is a normal blood sugar level and does not indicate any problem with fluid or electrolyte balance¹.
Choice B reason: This statement is false. WBCs: 4000 is slightly below the normal range, but not significantly low. It may indicate a mild infection or inflammation, but not a serious fluid or electrolyte imbalance².
Choice C reason: This statement is false. K+: 3.4 mEq/L is slightly below the normal range, but not dangerously low. It may indicate a mild potassium deficiency, which can cause muscle weakness, but not restlessness or agitation.
Choice D reason: This statement is true. Na+: 154 mEq/L is above the normal range and indicates hypernatremia, or high blood sodium level. This can cause dehydration, confusion, restlessness, agitation, and seizures. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Continuous tube feedings can increase the risk of hypernatremia if the formula is too concentrated or the fluid intake is inadequate⁵.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Cushing's syndrome is caused by excess cortisol, a type of glucocorticoid hormone, in the body. This can result from overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands, or from prolonged use of corticosteroid medications. Elevated glucocorticoid level is the correct alteration in endocrine function for this condition.
Choice B reason: Decreased aldosterone level is not related to Cushing's syndrome. Aldosterone is another hormone produced by the adrenal glands, but it regulates the balance of sodium and potassium in the body. Decreased aldosterone level can cause low blood pressure, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance.
Choice C reason: Elevated aldosterone secretion is also not related to Cushing's syndrome. Elevated aldosterone secretion can cause high blood pressure, fluid retention, and hypokalemia (low potassium level). This condition is known as hyperaldosteronism or Conn's syndrome.
Choice D reason: Diminished glucocorticoid level is the opposite of Cushing's syndrome. Diminished glucocorticoid level can cause low blood sugar, fatigue, weight loss, and poor stress response. This condition is known as Addison's disease or adrenal insufficiency.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: 1:00 PM is not the correct time to monitor the patient for signs of hypoglycemia related to the insulin's peak action. Humalog is a rapid acting insulin that starts to work within 15 minutes, peaks in about an hour, and lasts for 2 to 4 hours. Therefore, the peak action of Humalog given at 8:00 AM would be around 9:00 AM, not 1:00 PM.
Choice B reason: 8:00 PM is also not the correct time to monitor the patient for signs of hypoglycemia related to the insulin's peak action. As explained in choice A, Humalog peaks in about an hour and lasts for 2 to 4 hours. Therefore, the effect of Humalog given at 8:00 AM would wear off by 12:00 PM, not 8:00 PM.
Choice C reason: There is no peak action for this insulin is an incorrect statement. Humalog does have a peak action, as described in choice A. The peak action of an insulin is the time when the insulin is most effective in lowering the blood glucose level. The peak action of an insulin can vary depending on the type, dose, and individual response of the patient.
Choice D reason: 9:00 AM is the correct time to monitor the patient for signs of hypoglycemia related to the insulin's peak action. Hypoglycemia is a condition of low blood glucose level, which can cause symptoms such as sweating, shaking, hunger, headache, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Hypoglycemia can occur when the insulin dose is too high, the food intake is too low, or the physical activity is too high. The nurse should monitor the patient for signs of hypoglycemia around the peak action of the insulin, as this is when the blood glucose level is most likely to drop. The nurse should also teach the patient how to prevent, recognize, and treat hypoglycemia.
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