Nokea
The term used to describe a blood sodium level of more than 145 mEq/L is:
- A. hyponatremia.
- B. hyperkalemia.
- C. hypernatremia.
- D. hypercalcemia.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: hypernatremia. Hypernatremia refers to an elevated level of sodium in the blood, specifically when it is more than 145 mEq/L. Choice A, hyponatremia, is incorrect as it refers to low sodium levels. Choice B, hyperkalemia, is incorrect as it refers to high potassium levels, not sodium. Choice D, hypercalcemia, is also incorrect as it relates to elevated calcium levels, not sodium.
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You are working on a burns unit, and one of your acutely ill patients is exhibiting signs and symptoms of third spacing. Based on this change in status, you should expect the patient to exhibit signs and symptoms of what imbalance?
- A. Metabolic alkalosis
- B. Hypermagnesemia
- C. Hypercalcemia
- D. Hypovolemia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When a patient exhibits signs and symptoms of third-spacing, where fluid moves out of the intravascular space but not into the intracellular space, hypovolemia is expected. This leads to a decreased circulating blood volume. Increased calcium and magnesium levels are not typically associated with third-spacing fluid shift. Burns usually result in acidosis rather than alkalosis, making metabolic alkalosis an incorrect choice. Therefore, hypovolemia is the correct answer in this scenario.
A patient with a longstanding diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder presents to the emergency room. The triage nurse notes upon assessment that the patient is hyperventilating. The triage nurse is aware that hyperventilation is the most common cause of which acid-base imbalance?
- A. Respiratory acidosis
- B. Respiratory alkalosis
- C. Increased PaCO2
- D. CNS disturbances
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation, which can be caused by extreme anxiety, is the most common cause of acute respiratory alkalosis. This leads to a decrease in PaCO2 levels. Respiratory acidosis, choice A, occurs in conditions like hypoventilation, leading to an increase in PaCO2 levels. Choice C, Increased PaCO2, is not the correct term for an acid-base imbalance related to hyperventilation. Choice D, CNS disturbances, is not directly related to the acid-base imbalance caused by hyperventilation.
You are caring for a patient admitted with a diagnosis of acute kidney injury. When you review your patient's most recent laboratory reports, you note that the patient's magnesium levels are high. You should prioritize assessment for which of the following health problems?
- A. Diminished deep tendon reflexes
- B. Tachycardia
- C. Cool, clammy skin
- D. Acute flank pain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: To assess a patient's magnesium status, the nurse should check deep tendon reflexes. Diminished deep tendon reflexes may indicate high serum magnesium levels, as hypermagnesemia can lead to neuromuscular effects. Tachycardia, cool clammy skin, and acute flank pain are not typically associated with high magnesium levels and are not priority assessments in this situation.
You are caring for a patient who has a diagnosis of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Your patient's plan of care includes assessment of specific gravity every 4 hours. The results of this test will allow the nurse to assess what aspect of the patient's health?
- A. Nutritional status
- B. Potassium balance
- C. Calcium balance
- D. Fluid volume status
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Assessing the specific gravity in a patient with SIADH helps the nurse evaluate the patient's fluid volume status. Specific gravity indicates the concentration of solutes in the urine and can detect if the patient has a fluid volume deficit or excess. Nutritional status, potassium balance, and calcium balance are not directly assessed through specific gravity testing. Nutritional status is typically evaluated through dietary intake and anthropometric measurements. Potassium balance is assessed through blood tests and ECG monitoring. Calcium balance is evaluated through blood tests and bone density scans. Therefore, the correct answer is assessing fluid volume status through specific gravity testing.
Which condition can result from prolonged vomiting or diarrhea?
- A. Intracellular fluid
- B. Interstitial fluid
- C. Dehydration
- D. Electrolyte
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Dehydration. Prolonged vomiting or diarrhea can lead to significant fluid loss, causing dehydration. Intracellular fluid (choice A) and interstitial fluid (choice B) refer to specific compartments of body fluid and are not conditions resulting from vomiting or diarrhea. Electrolytes (choice D) are minerals that help maintain fluid balance in the body but are not the condition directly resulting from prolonged vomiting or diarrhea.