Nursing Process Questions and Answers PDF Related

Review Nursing Process Questions and Answers PDF related questions and content

One of the dangers of treating hypernatremia is:

  • A. Red blood cell crenation
  • B. Cerebral edema
  • C. Red blood cell hydrolysis
  • D. Renal shutdown
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cerebral edema. Hypernatremia is an elevated sodium level in the blood, which can lead to osmotic shifts causing water to move out of cells, including brain cells. This can result in cerebral edema, potentially leading to neurological complications.

Incorrect choices:
A: Red blood cell crenation - This occurs in hypertonic solutions, not hypernatremia.
C: Red blood cell hydrolysis - Hypernatremia doesn't directly cause red blood cell hydrolysis.
D: Renal shutdown - Hypernatremia can stress the kidneys, but it doesn't typically lead to renal shutdown.