The home health nurse visits a client who has a serum sodium level of 123 me/L (123 mmol/L). To explore possible etiologist for this value, what question should the nurse ask the client?

"Do you drink milk or eat dairy products at each meal?"

"How much water and ice chips do you have each day?"

"What amount of your daily meals contains fresh vegetables?"

"How frequently do you eat processed or canned foods?"

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: Asking about the consumption of milk or dairy products is not directly related to the client's serum sodium level. Dairy intake does not typically cause significant changes in sodium levels. Therefore, this question would not help in identifying the cause of the hyponatremia.

Choice B reason: This question is most relevant because excessive water or ice chip intake can lead to dilutional hyponatremia. Ingestion of large amounts of water can dilute the sodium concentration in the blood, resulting in a low serum sodium level. Identifying excessive fluid intake is critical in determining if this is the cause of the client's hyponatremia.

Choice C reason: Inquiring about the number of fresh vegetables in the client's diet is more related to overall nutrition rather than directly linked to sodium levels. While vegetables can be part of a healthy diet, this question would not specifically address the cause of a low serum sodium level.

Choice D reason: The frequency of consuming processed or canned foods, which are typically high in sodium, would generally be expected to increase serum sodium levels rather than decrease them. Therefore, this question does not directly address the issue of a low sodium level.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: A haematocrit of 30% is below the normal range and indicates anaemia, which is common in hypothyroidism. However, it does not require immediate intervention compared to a decline in consciousness.

Choice B reason: Facial puffiness and periorbital enema are common signs of hypothyroidism but do not require immediate intervention. They are more indicative of chronic, rather than acute, issues.

Choice C reason: A further decline in level of consciousness is critical and warrants immediate action. It can indicate a myxoedema coma, a severe complication of hypothyroidism that is life-threatening and requires urgent treatment.

Choice D reason: Cold and dry skin is a common symptom of hypothyroidism but does not require immediate intervention compared to a decline in consciousness.

A. A haemoglobin of 12 g/dL (7.45 mmol/L) and haematocrit of 42% (0.42 volume fraction). B. Vital signs are temperature 99.0°F (37.2°C) orally, heart rate 94 beats/minute, respirations 18 breaths/minute, blood pressure 110/70 mm Hg. C. Vomits coffee-grounds emesis. D. Reports having sharp epigastric pain.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: A haemoglobin level of 12 g/dL (7.45 mmol/L) and haematocrit of 42% (0.42 volume fraction) are slightly lower than the reference range but not critically low. This finding is important and needs to be monitored, but it does not require the most immediate intervention.

Choice B reason: The vital signs provided are within normal limits and do not indicate an urgent or life-threatening condition. These should be monitored, but they do not require immediate intervention compared to other findings.

Choice C reason: Vomiting coffee-grounds emesis is a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, specifically indicating that blood has been in the stomach long enough to be partially digested by stomach acid, giving it a coffee-grounds appearance. This is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical intervention to stop the bleeding and prevent further complications.

Choice D reason: Sharp epigastric pain is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease and indicates inflammation or ulceration. While it is painful and concerning, it does not require the most immediate intervention compared to active gastrointestinal bleeding.

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The home health nurse visits a client who has a serum sodium level of 123 me/L (123 mmol/L). To explore possible etiologist for this value, what question should the nurse ask the client?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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