The patient has elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels with a normal BUN/creatinine ratio. These levels most likely indicate
- A. increased nitrogen intake.
- B. acute kidney injury, such as acute tubular necrosis (ATN).
- C. hypovolemia.
- D. fluid resuscitation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The elevated BUN and serum creatinine levels with a normal BUN/creatinine ratio suggest kidney dysfunction. This pattern is commonly seen in acute kidney injury, like acute tubular necrosis (ATN), where the kidneys are unable to properly filter waste products. Other choices (A) increased nitrogen intake and (C) hypovolemia would not cause the specific pattern of elevated BUN and creatinine levels with a normal ratio. (D) Fluid resuscitation would actually aim to correct hypovolemia and would not directly affect the BUN and creatinine levels.
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The nurse is caring for an elderly patient who was admitted with renal insufficiency. An expected laboratory finding for this patient may be
- A. an increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
- B. a normal serum creatinine level.
- C. increased ability to excrete drugs.
- D. hypokalemia.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Increased ability to excrete drugs.
Rationale:
1. Renal insufficiency impairs kidney function, leading to decreased excretion of drugs.
2. In elderly patients with renal insufficiency, there may be compensatory mechanisms to enhance drug excretion.
3. This increased ability to excrete drugs helps prevent drug accumulation and potential toxicity.
Summary:
A: Increased GFR is not expected in renal insufficiency; it typically decreases.
B: Serum creatinine level would likely be elevated in renal insufficiency, not normal.
D: Hypokalemia is not a typical lab finding in renal insufficiency; hyperkalemia is more common.
The nurse is caring for a patient with head trauma who was admitted to the surgical intensive care unit following a motorcycle crash. What is an important assessment that will assist the nurse in early identification of an endocrine disorder commonly associated with this condition?
- A. Daily weight
- B. Fingerstick glucose
- C. Lung sound auscultation
- D. Urine osmolality
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Urine osmolality. In head trauma patients, the risk of developing diabetes insipidus (DI) is high due to damage to the posterior pituitary. Monitoring urine osmolality helps identify DI early, as low urine osmolality indicates impaired concentration ability. This is crucial for prompt treatment to prevent dehydration. Choices A and B are important but not specific to endocrine disorders. Choice C is relevant for respiratory assessment, not endocrine disorders.
A patient is receiving hydrocortisone sodium succinate for adrenal crisis. What other medication does the nurse prepare to administer?
- A. Regular insulin
- B. A proton pump inhibitor
- C. Canagliflozin
- D. Propranolol
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: A proton pump inhibitor. When a patient is receiving hydrocortisone for adrenal crisis, it can lead to increased gastric acid secretion. A proton pump inhibitor helps reduce acid production and prevents gastric ulcers. Regular insulin (A) is not typically indicated in this scenario. Canagliflozin (C) is a medication used for diabetes management and is not relevant here. Propranolol (D) is a beta-blocker and may mask signs of hypoglycemia when used with insulin, which is not suitable in this case.
A patient presents to the emergency department with the following clinical signs: Pulse: 132 beats/min Blood pressure: 88/50 mm Hg Respiratory rate: 32 breaths/min Temperature: 8°F Chest x-ray: Findings consistent with congestive heart failure Cardiac rhythm: Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response These signs are consistent with which disorder?
- A. Adrenal crisis
- B. Myxedema coma
- C. Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)
- D. Thyroid storm
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale: The clinical signs indicate a hypermetabolic state with tachycardia, hypotension, tachypnea, and potential fever, typical of a thyroid storm. The presence of congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation further support this diagnosis due to the hyperthyroid state exacerbating cardiovascular symptoms. Adrenal crisis (A) would present with hypotension and shock, but not with the hypermetabolic state seen here. Myxedema coma (B) would present with hypothermia, bradycardia, and altered mental status, which are not present in this case. SIADH (C) would typically present with hyponatremia and concentrated urine, which are not seen here.
A normal glomerular filtration rate is
- A. less than 80 mL/min.
- B. 80 to 125 mL/min.
- C. 125 to 180 mL/min.
- D. more than 189 mL/min.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (80 to 125 mL/min) because this range represents the normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) for a healthy adult. GFR indicates the rate at which blood is filtered by the kidneys, with 125 mL/min being the average value. Values below 80 mL/min (Choice A) suggest impaired kidney function, while values above 189 mL/min (Choice D) may indicate hyperfiltration or underlying conditions. Choice C (125 to 180 mL/min) falls within the normal range, but the typical average is around 125 mL/min. Thus, choice B is the correct answer as it reflects the standard GFR range for adults.