The nurse is planning care for a client diagnosed with SIADH. Which of the following would be included in the plan of care? Select all that apply.
Administer 0.45% NS at 50 mL/hr
Obtain daily weight
Maintain seizure precautions
Administer 3% saline as ordered
Encourage fluid intake
Correct Answer : B,C,D
Choice A Reason:
Administering 0.45% NS (normal saline) at 50 mL/hr is not appropriate for a client with SIADH. This hypotonic solution can exacerbate the condition by increasing the water retention and further diluting the serum sodium levels, worsening hyponatremia. Instead, fluid restriction and hypertonic saline (such as 3% saline) are typically used to manage SIADH.
Choice B Reason:
Obtaining daily weight is crucial in managing SIADH. Daily weights help monitor fluid retention and detect any sudden changes in body weight, which can indicate worsening fluid overload or effective treatment. Accurate weight measurements are essential for assessing the client’s fluid balance and guiding treatment decisions.
Choice C Reason:
Maintaining seizure precautions is necessary for clients with SIADH because severe hyponatremia can lead to neurological symptoms, including seizures. Implementing seizure precautions helps ensure the client’s safety and allows for prompt intervention if a seizure occurs.
Choice D Reason:
Administering 3% saline as ordered is appropriate for treating severe hyponatremia in SIADH. Hypertonic saline helps increase serum sodium levels and reduce the risk of neurological complications. It must be administered carefully and under close monitoring to avoid rapid correction of sodium levels, which can lead to osmotic demyelination syndrome.
Choice E Reason:
Encouraging fluid intake is not appropriate for clients with SIADH. Fluid restriction is a key component of managing SIADH to prevent further dilution of serum sodium levels. Encouraging fluid intake would counteract this goal and worsen the client’s condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Place the client on aspiration precautions: Myxedema coma is a severe form of hypothyroidism that can lead to decreased mental function and a reduced level of consciousness. These conditions increase the risk of aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia and other complications. Therefore, placing the client on aspiration precautions is crucial to prevent these risks. Aspiration precautions may include elevating the head of the bed, monitoring swallowing ability, and providing thickened liquids if necessary.

Choice B Reason:
Turn the client every 4 hours: While turning the client regularly is important to prevent pressure ulcers, it is not the primary action needed for a client in a myxedema coma. The focus should be on stabilizing the client’s condition and preventing life-threatening complications such as aspiration, respiratory failure, and cardiovascular collapse.
Choice C Reason:
Check the client’s blood pressure every 2 hours: Monitoring vital signs, including blood pressure, is essential for clients in a myxedema coma. However, it is not the most critical action compared to preventing aspiration. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly, but the frequency can be adjusted based on the client’s condition and stability.
Choice D Reason:
Initiate measures to cool the client: Clients in a myxedema coma typically present with hypothermia (low body temperature), not hyperthermia (high body temperature). Therefore, initiating measures to cool the client would be inappropriate and could worsen their condition. Instead, measures to warm the client, such as using blankets and adjusting room temperature, are more appropriate.
Correct Answer is ["E","F","G"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Hypertension is not typically associated with myxedema coma. Myxedema coma is characterized by severe hypothyroidism, which usually leads to low blood pressure (hypotension) rather than high blood pressure (hypertension). Therefore, hypertension is not a clinical manifestation that indicates progression to myxedema coma.
Choice B reason:
Restlessness is not a common symptom of myxedema coma. Patients with myxedema coma often present with lethargy, confusion, or even coma due to the severe slowing of metabolic processes. Restlessness is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism or other conditions that increase metabolic activity.
Choice C reason:
An increased level of alertness is contrary to the symptoms of myxedema coma. Myxedema coma typically presents with decreased mental status, including confusion, stupor, or coma. Therefore, an increased level of alertness would not be indicative of progression to myxedema coma.
Choice D reason:
Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) is not a typical symptom of myxedema coma. Instead, myxedema coma is associated with bradycardia (slow heart rate) due to the severe hypothyroid state. Tachycardia is more commonly seen in hyperthyroid conditions.
Choice E reason:
Hypotension (low blood pressure) is a key clinical manifestation of myxedema coma. The severe hypothyroid state leads to decreased cardiac output and vascular resistance, resulting in hypotension. This is a critical sign that the nurse should recognize as indicative of progression to myxedema coma.
Choice F reason:
Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is another hallmark of myxedema coma. The decreased metabolic rate in severe hypothyroidism leads to a reduced heart rate. Recognizing bradycardia is essential in identifying the progression to myxedema coma.
Choice G reason:
Hypoventilation (reduced breathing rate) is a significant symptom of myxedema coma. The severe hypothyroid state can lead to respiratory depression, resulting in hypoventilation. This can further exacerbate the patient’s condition and requires immediate medical attention.
Choice H reason:
Hyperventilation (increased breathing rate) is not associated with myxedema coma. Patients with myxedema coma typically experience hypoventilation due to the severe slowing of metabolic processes. Hyperventilation would be more indicative of conditions that increase metabolic activity or respiratory drive.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
