Which data warrants the most immediate intervention by the nurse for a client with diabetes insipidus (DI)? Reference Range: Sodium [136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L)].
Dry skin with inelastic turgor.
Apical rate of 110 beats/minute.
Serum sodium of 185 mEq/L (185 mmol/L).
Polyuria and excessive thirst.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Dry skin and inelastic turgor reflect dehydration in DI from antidiuretic hormone deficiency, causing water loss. This is less urgent than hypernatremia (185 mEq/L), which dehydrates brain cells, risking seizures or coma, requiring immediate fluid correction to prevent neurological damage in this critical condition.
Choice B reason: Tachycardia (110 beats/minute) compensates for hypovolemia in DI, where water loss reduces preload, triggering sympathetic activation. This is less critical than hypernatremia (185 mEq/L), which causes cerebral dehydration, necessitating urgent hypotonic fluids to prevent neurological complications, making heart rate secondary.
Choice C reason: Serum sodium of 185 mEq/L indicates severe hypernatremia in DI, where water loss concentrates sodium, dehydrating neurons and risking seizures or coma. Immediate IV hypotonic fluids (e.g., 5% dextrose) correct osmolarity, preventing life-threatening cerebral complications, addressing the urgent pathophysiological crisis in DI.
Choice D reason: Polyuria and thirst are hallmark DI symptoms from water loss but expected and less urgent than hypernatremia (185 mEq/L), which threatens neurological function via osmotic brain injury. Correcting sodium is critical to prevent seizures, making these symptoms secondary to urgent electrolyte management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Exercise lowers blood glucose in type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake via GLUT4 transporters in muscles. This statement is incorrect, as physical activity is vital for glycemic control, reducing hyperglycemia and cardiovascular risks. Proper understanding involves recognizing exercise’s role in metabolic management, not denying its impact.
Choice B reason: Following a tailored meal plan and avoiding high-fat diets is correct, as it regulates blood glucose and lipids in type 2 diabetes. Balanced carbohydrates and low saturated fats prevent insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. This reflects understanding of dietary management’s role in glycemic control, reducing complications like neuropathy or cardiovascular disease.
Choice C reason: Soaking feet in hot water is dangerous in diabetes due to neuropathy, which reduces sensation and increases burn risk. Hot water also dries skin, raising infection risk. Proper foot care involves daily inspection and avoiding extreme temperatures, making this statement incorrect and harmful for effective diabetes management.
Choice D reason: Covering wounds with antibiotic ointment without medical evaluation is risky, as diabetes impairs wound healing due to hyperglycemia and immune dysfunction. Proper care involves cleaning, monitoring, and consulting providers to prevent infections. This statement shows incomplete understanding, as it overlooks the need for professional wound management.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Elevated glucose (190 mg/dL) in pancreatitis needs monitoring but is less urgent than severe neutropenia (ANC <500/mm3), which risks life-threatening infections. Glucose can be managed with insulin, per diabetes and pancreatitis care protocols, but neutropenia requires immediate intervention.
Choice B reason: Hemoglobin of 7.0 g/dL in a GI bleed is critical but less immediate, as the client is receiving a transfusion. Neutropenia (ANC <500/mm3) poses an urgent infection risk, requiring isolation. Transfusion addresses anemia, per bleeding and hematology care standards.
Choice C reason: An ANC <500/mm3 indicates severe neutropenia, posing an immediate infection risk in cancer patients, requiring urgent isolation and antibiotics. This rapid drop from 2,000/mm3 demands priority intervention to prevent sepsis, per oncology and infection control protocols in nursing practice.
Choice D reason: Elevated bilirubin in hepatitis is concerning but less urgent than neutropenia (ANC <500/mm3), which risks sepsis. Jaundice requires monitoring and treatment, but severe infection risk takes precedence, per liver disease and critical care prioritization standards in nursing practice.
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