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

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. HCO3 (bicarbonate) levels above 26 mEq/L indicate alkalosis, not acidosis. In metabolic acidosis, the HCO3 levels would be low as the body attempts to neutralize excess acid.
B. In metabolic acidosis, the pH is expected to be below 7.35 because metabolic acidosis indicates an accumulation of acid or loss of bicarbonate, which lowers the blood pH.
C. PaO2 (partial pressure of oxygen) below 70 mm Hg typically indicates hypoxemia, not necessarily metabolic acidosis. The primary concern with metabolic acidosis is the balance of acid-base status, not oxygenation.
D. PaCO2 above 45 mm Hg would suggest respiratory acidosis rather than metabolic acidosis. In metabolic acidosis, the body compensates by hyperventilating to blow off CO2 and raise the pH, resulting in a normal or low PaCO2.

A. Furosemide B. Methylprednisolone C. Epinephrine D. Dobutamine

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Furosemide is a diuretic that is used to reduce fluid overload and manage conditions like heart failure or kidney disease. It is not indicated in anaphylaxis.
B. Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid used for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be used in anaphylaxis to reduce inflammation and prevent delayed reactions. However, it is not the first-line treatment in acute anaphylactic shock.
C. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylactic shock. It works by rapidly reversing the effects of anaphylaxis, such as bronchoconstriction, vasodilation, and edema, by stimulating alpha and beta receptors. Epinephrine should be administered as soon as anaphylaxis is suspected to stabilize the patient’s condition.
D. Dobutamine is a medication used to manage shock by increasing cardiac output, but it is not used in the management of anaphylactic shock. The priority is epinephrine to reverse the anaphylactic response.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Which serum electrolyte value alerts the nurse to the possibility of hyperaldosteronism?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results of a client who the provider suspects has metabolic acidosis. Which of the following results should the nurse expect to see?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing anaphylactic shock in response to the administration of penicillin. Which of the following medications should the nurse administer first?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who reports feeling shaky and having palpitations. When the nurse finds the client's blood glucose to be 48 mg/dL on the glucometer, he should give the client which of the following?

A nurse is providing dietary teaching for a client who has Cushing's disease. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. While assessing the client, the nurse notes a large area of clear drainage seeping from the nasal packing. Which of the following should be the nurse's initial action?

A nurse is auscultating the breath sounds of a client who has asthma. When the client exhales, the nurse hears continuous high-pitched squeaking sounds. The nurse should document this as which of the following adventitious breath sounds?

In reviewing admission orders for a patient admitted with SIADH, the nurse should question which order?

A nurse is teaching a client who has asthma about how to use an albuterol inhaler. Which of the following actions by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Which of the following assessment findings indicates an emergency and the need for immediate action on the part of the nurse?

A nurse is caring for a client who has syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) and a sodium level of 123 mEq/L. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse anticipate?