What is the normal range of serum sodium in adults?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because over-hydration is unlikely in a dehydrated patient. Over-hydration is a condition where the body has too much water, which can cause hyponatremia, edema, and cerebral swelling.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because diarrhea is a cause, not a consequence, of dehydration. Diarrhea is the frequent and watery passage of stool, which can lead to fluid and electrolyte loss.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because pulmonary congestion is also unlikely in a dehydrated patient. Pulmonary congestion is a condition where the lungs are filled with fluid, which can cause dyspnea, cough, and crackles.

Choice D reason: This is correct because fall is a potential complication of dehydration. Dehydration can cause confusion, dizziness, weakness, and hypotension, which can increase the risk of falling and injuring oneself.

Choice A reason: This is correct because prolonged bed rest can cause hypocalcemia, or low serum calcium level. Calcium is stored in the bones and is released into the blood when the bones are stressed by weight-bearing activities. When a person is on bed rest, the bones are not stimulated and the calcium remains in the bones, leading to a decrease in serum calcium level.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because too much butter consumption does not affect the serum calcium level directly. Butter is a source of fat and calories, which can affect the cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but not the calcium level. However, too much butter consumption can cause obesity, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because hyperparathyroidism can cause hypercalcemia, or high serum calcium level. Hyperparathyroidism is a condition where the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates the calcium and phosphorus balance in the body. PTH stimulates the release of calcium from the bones into the blood, leading to an increase in serum calcium level.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because excessive ingestion of vitamin D can also cause hypercalcemia, or high serum calcium level. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium from the food and supplements. When a person takes too much vitamin D, the calcium absorption is increased and the serum calcium level rises.