Which serum electrolyte value alerts the nurse to the possibility of hyperaldosteronism?
Serum sodium, 150 mmol/L; serum potassium, 2.5 mmol/L
Serum sodium, 140 mmol/L; serum potassium, 5.0 mmol/L
Serum sodium, 130 mmol/L; serum potassium, 7.5 mmol/L
Serum sodium, 130 mmol/L; serum potassium, 2.5 mmol/L
The Correct Answer is A
A. Hyperaldosteronism causes sodium retention and potassium excretion, leading to elevated serum sodium levels and low potassium levels. A serum potassium level of 2.5 mmol/L is indicative of hypokalemia, which is a classic finding in hyperaldosteronism.
B. This serum electrolyte pattern (normal sodium and potassium) is not suggestive of hyperaldosteronism.
C. In hyperaldosteronism, the serum sodium is typically elevated, but the potassium level is very low, not elevated as seen in this option.
D. While low potassium is indicative of hyperaldosteronism, the sodium level is abnormally low in this case, which is not typical for this condition. Hyperaldosteronism typically presents with elevated sodium.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Insulin detemir is a long-acting basal insulin used for maintenance therapy, not for the rapid reduction of blood glucose levels in acute conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
B. NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin used for long-term blood glucose control, but it is not appropriate for immediate treatment of DKA.
C. Insulin glargine is also a long-acting insulin that works over a prolonged period, making it unsuitable for emergency situations like DKA.
D. Regular insulin is the preferred choice for treating diabetic ketoacidosis. It is a short-acting insulin that can rapidly reduce blood glucose levels and is used intravenously for immediate intervention in DKA.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "It is caused by the lack of production of insulin by the pancreas.": This is incorrect. The lack of insulin production causes diabetes mellitus, not Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease results from insufficient production of adrenal hormones, particularly aldosterone and cortisol.
B. "It is caused by the overproduction of parathormone by the parathyroid gland.": This is incorrect. Parathormone is produced by the parathyroid glands and regulates calcium balance, but overproduction of parathormone leads to conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, not Addison’s disease.
C. "It is caused by the lack of production of aldosterone by the adrenal gland.": This is correct. Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is caused by the inability of the adrenal glands to produce sufficient aldosterone and cortisol, two critical hormones. Aldosterone helps regulate sodium and potassium balance, and cortisol helps the body respond to stress.
D. "It is caused by the overproduction of growth hormone by the pituitary gland.": This is incorrect. Overproduction of growth hormone causes acromegaly or gigantism, not Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease results from adrenal insufficiency, not pituitary gland dysfunction.
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