Which finding indicates to the nurse that the current therapies are effective for patient with acute adrenal insufficiency (Addison's)?
Increasing serum sodium levels.
Decreasing serum chloride levels
Decreasing blood glucose levels
Increasing serum potassium levels
The Correct Answer is A
In acute adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison's disease, the adrenal glands are unable to produce enough cortisol and aldosterone hormones. These hormones play an important role in regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. Therefore, a patient with acute adrenal insufficiency may have low sodium and high potassium levels in their blood.
The goal of therapy is to replace the deficient hormones and normalize the electrolyte levels in the body. If the current therapies are effective, the nurse would expect to see an increase in the patient's serum sodium levels because of aldosterone replacement therapy. Therefore, option a is the correct answer.
Decreasing serum chloride levels and decreasing blood glucose levels are not directly related to the treatment of acute adrenal insufficiency. In fact, a patient with acute adrenal insufficiency may have low serum chloride levels and low blood glucose levels due to the lack of cortisol hormone.
Increasing serum potassium levels would be an indicator of ineffective treatment or inadequate aldosterone replacement therapy, as aldosterone helps to regulate potassium levels in the body.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
The correct answers are a, c, and d. The client will need to take thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine) for the rest of her life since she had a total thyroidectomy. The dosage will need to be carefully monitored to ensure that it is correct, and laboratory tests will need to be done frequently to monitor thyroid hormone levels. Taking too much of the drug can cause hyperthyroidism symptoms, so it is important not to take more than prescribed. It is also important to check with a healthcare provider before taking any other medications or herbs, as they can interact with levothyroxine.
Answer b is incorrect because the client will need to take the drug for the rest of her life.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Since the patient's blood glucose level is less than 70 mg/dL and they are symptomatic, the first step is to administer 1 mg Glucagon IM. This will help increase the patient's blood glucose level quickly.
After administering Glucagon, the nurse should then call the MD to report the low blood glucose level and discuss any necessary adjustments to the patient's insulin regimen. It is important to note that in this situation, administering Humalog insulin would further lower the patient's blood glucose level and could worsen their symptoms. Encouraging the patient to eat their meal is also important, but it should be done after the administration of Glucagon to help maintain their blood glucose level.
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