Which patient statement indicates a need for further education regarding medications after a bilateral adrenalectomy?
I will always need to take hydrocortisone pills
I have a way to inject hydrocortisone in case of emergency
I will stop taking hydrocortisone when I feel better
I have nausea or vomiting often
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: I will always need to take hydrocortisone pills is a correct statement. Hydrocortisone is a synthetic form of cortisol, a hormone that is normally produced by the adrenal glands. After a bilateral adrenalectomy, the patient will have no adrenal glands and will need to take hydrocortisone pills for life to replace the missing hormone.
Choice B reason: I have a way to inject hydrocortisone in case of emergency is also a correct statement. Hydrocortisone injections are used to treat acute adrenal crisis, a life-threatening condition that can occur when the patient has low cortisol levels due to stress, illness, injury, or surgery. The patient should have an emergency kit with hydrocortisone injections and instructions on how to use them.
Choice C reason: I will stop taking hydrocortisone when I feel better is an incorrect statement. This indicates a need for further education regarding medications after a bilateral adrenalectomy. The patient should never stop taking hydrocortisone without consulting their doctor, as this can cause severe symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, such as low blood pressure, low blood sugar, weakness, fatigue, and confusion.
Choice D reason: I have nausea or vomiting often is a statement that requires further assessment by the nurse. Nausea or vomiting can be signs of inadequate or excessive hydrocortisone dosage, or other complications after a bilateral adrenalectomy. The nurse should monitor the patient's vital signs, blood glucose, electrolytes, and weight, and report any abnormal findings to the doctor. The patient may need to adjust their hydrocortisone dose or take other medications to manage their symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is true. Fluid volume deficit, or hypovolemia, is a condition where the body loses more fluid than it gains. It can be caused by fluid loss from vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, or excessive sweating. Fluid volume deficit can lead to dehydration, hypotension, tachycardia, and shock.
Choice B reason: This statement is false. Sodium imbalance, or dysnatremia, is a condition where the blood sodium level is either too high or too low. It can be caused by fluid imbalance, kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or medications. Sodium imbalance can affect the brain function, causing confusion, seizures, or coma.
Choice C reason: This statement is false. Potassium imbalance, or dyskalemia, is a condition where the blood potassium level is either too high or too low. It can be caused by kidney disease, acid-base disorders, medications, or dietary intake. Potassium imbalance can affect the heart function, causing arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, or death.
Choice D reason: This statement is false. Fluid volume excess, or hypervolemia, is a condition where the body gains more fluid than it loses. It can be caused by fluid overload, heart failure, kidney failure, or liver disease. Fluid volume excess can lead to edema, hypertension, dyspnea, and pulmonary congestion.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is false. A serum potassium level of 5.6 mEq/L is not a common side effect of furosemide. This value indicates hyperkalemia, or high blood potassium level, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium loss, not retention.
Choice B reason: This statement is false. A serum sodium level of 142 mEq/L is not a common side effect of furosemide. This value is within the normal range of 135-145 mEq/L and does not indicate any problem with sodium balance. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes sodium loss, but it is usually compensated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Choice C reason: This statement is false. A serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L is not a common side effect of furosemide. This value is within the normal range of 135-145 mEq/L and does not indicate any problem with sodium balance. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes sodium loss, but it is usually compensated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Choice D reason: This statement is true. A serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L is a common side effect of furosemide. This value indicates hypokalemia, or low blood potassium level, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and metabolic alkalosis. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and potassium in the ascending loop of Henle, leading to potassium loss in the urine.
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