You receive report from the off going nurse that patient L K is admited with hyponatremia. the nurse states he is becoming increasingly confused as the day goes on and management is considering restraining the patient, so he does not become a harm to himself. You assess the patient and note that the IV fluids hanging are 0.33% NaCI. What should you do next?
Bring the patient to the nurse s station so he can be watched until he regains orientation.
Get an order for additional lab work.
Call the doctor and get an order for restraints.
Disconnect the IV fluids immediately they are dropping his Na+ levels.
The Correct Answer is B
Hyponatremia is a condition where the sodium levels in the blood are abnormally low. It can cause confusion, seizures, and even coma in severe cases. The IV fluids hanging are 0.33% NaCI, which means they have a low sodium concentration, and may be contributing to the patient's hyponatremia.
Given that the patient is becoming increasingly confused, it is important to assess his mental status and monitor him closely to prevent harm. However, restraining the patient should not be the first course of action. Instead, the nurse should focus on identifying the underlying cause of the hyponatremia and taking appropriate steps to address it.
Therefore, the next step would be to get an order for additional lab work to assess the patient's electrolyte levels and identify the cause of the hyponatremia. This will help to guide further treatment and management decisions for the patient.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Daily weights provide a reliable and accurate measure of fluid balance in the body. An increase in weight can indicate fluid retention and the need for further intervention. While daily intake and output recordings, blood pressure and heart rate checks, and CMP lab draws can also provide useful information, daily weights are the most effective way to monitor for excess fluid volume in this situation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Explanation: In clients with COPD, the secretions tend to be thick and sticky, which makes it difficult to cough up and clear the airway. To promote respiratory hygiene in this situation, the nurse should recommend increasing fluid intake. Adequate hydration helps to thin the secretions, making them easier to expectorate. The client should aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water or other fluids per day unless there is a medical reason not to do so.
Decreasing fluid intake (option a) would make the secretions even thicker and more difficult to clear. Taking Tylenol for secretions (option b) is not a recommended intervention as Tylenol is not indicated for thinning of secretions. Range-of-motion exercises (option c) are important to prevent complications such as pneumonia, but they are not directly related to promoting respiratory hygiene in this situation.
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