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 {"dropdown-group-1":"A"}
Explanation
Choice A reason: Diffusion is the process by which small ions such as glucose, oxygen, and carbon dioxide redistribute themselves through semipermeable membranes from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration. This is how these molecules move across the cell membrane and the capillary wall.
Choice B reason: Osmosis is the process by which water moves through semipermeable membranes from areas of lower solute concentration to areas of higher solute concentration. This is how water balance is maintained across the cell membrane and the capillary wall.
Choice C reason: Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood on the walls of the blood vessels. It is not a process by which small ions redistribute themselves through semipermeable membranes, but rather a factor that influences the movement of fluids and solutes across the capillary wall.
Choice D reason: Rehydration is the process of restoring the fluid balance in the body by drinking fluids or receiving intravenous fluids. It is not a process by which small ions redistribute themselves through semipermeable membranes, but rather a treatment for dehydration.
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