The nurse is caring for a client who is severely hypernatremic.
The nurse should prioritize assessing the client's
The nurse is caring for a client who is severely hypernatremic.
The nurse should prioritize assessing the client's
A. cardiovascular status.
[20%]
B. genitourinary status.
[5%]
C. neurological status.
[74%]
D. gastrointestinal status.
[1%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Adult Health
Lesson
Urinary/Renal/Fluid and Electrolytes
Client Need
Test Plan
Physiological Adaptation
Related Topic
Alterations in Body Systems
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice C is correct. When a client is suffering from severe hypernatremia, monitoring neurological status is the nurse's priority. Neurological complications of hypernatremia range from a restless, agitated client, to a comatose state. Sodium plays a major role in the brain and nervous system, so any imbalances can cause serious neurological symptoms.
Choice A is incorrect. Monitoring cardiovascular status is always important, but it is not the priority in a client with severe hypernatremia. Sodium plays a large role in the brain and nervous system, therefore the nurse should be careful to monitor the client's neurological status very closely when there is an imbalance.
Choice B is incorrect. Monitoring genitourinary status is important, but it is not the priority in a client with severe hypernatremia. There are no major GU symptoms with hypernatremia, but the nurse knows that very serious neurological complications can occur in the hypernatremic client.
Choice D is incorrect. Monitoring gastrointestinal status is important, but it is not the priority in a client with severe hypernatremia. There are no major GI symptoms with hypernatremia, but the nurse knows that very serious neurological complications can occur in the hypernatremic client.
Related Videos
4 Key Topics
Introduction to Sodium
5.1 Sodium Balance Disorders
Hypernatremia
