Which patient is at the highest risk for dehydration?
Elderly patient with fever and nausea and vomiting
Teenager who has intentionally limited fluid intake to avoid weight gain
Young patient with diarrhea
Infant who has a fever
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: Elderly patients are at a higher risk for dehydration due to physiological changes that come with aging, such as decreased kidney function and physical changes to the body's water balance systems. Additionally, fever increases metabolic rate and fluid loss, and nausea and vomiting prevent adequate fluid intake, further increasing the risk of dehydration.
Choice B: While intentionally limiting fluid intake can lead to dehydration, the body's thirst mechanism in a healthy teenager is typically strong enough to prevent severe dehydration.
Choice C: Diarrhea can certainly lead to dehydration, but a young, otherwise healthy patient typically has a stronger ability to recover from fluid loss than an elderly patient.
Choice D: Infants are at a higher risk for dehydration than older children and adults due to their smaller body weight and higher turnover of water and electrolytes, but in this case, the elderly patient's multiple risk factors put them at a higher risk overall.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because polyuria is a sign of hyponatremia, not hypernatremia. Polyuria is the excessive production of urine, which can cause fluid loss and sodium dilution.
Choice B reason: This is correct because dry mucous membranes are a sign of hypernatremia. Dry mucous membranes are caused by dehydration, which can occur in hypernatremia due to fluid shifting from the intracellular to the extracellular space.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because diarrhea is a sign of hyponatremia, not hypernatremia. Diarrhea is the frequent and watery passage of stool, which can cause fluid and electrolyte loss.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because intense thirst is a sign of both hyponatremia and hypernatremia. Intense thirst is a result of the body's attempt to restore fluid balance and osmolarity.
Choice E reason: This is incorrect because vomiting is a sign of both hyponatremia and hypernatremia. Vomiting is a reflex action that expels the contents of the stomach, which can cause fluid and electrolyte loss or imbalance.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is a low value for serum calcium, which indicates hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can cause muscle spasms, tetany, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice B reason: This is also a low value for serum calcium, which indicates hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can cause muscle spasms, tetany, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice C reason: This is the normal range of serum calcium in adults. Calcium is essential for bone health, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood clotting.
Choice D reason: This is a high value for serum calcium, which indicates hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, lethargy, and kidney stones.
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