Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who has hyponatremia. Which of the following tidings or interventions should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)
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Correct Answer:
A prescription for a urine sodium test
Rationale:
A prescription for a urine sodium test
🔷 A urine sodium test is an important diagnostic tool to help determine the cause of hyponatremia—whether it is due to sodium loss (e.g., from diuretics or adrenal insufficiency) or dilutional causes (e.g., SIADH or excessive water intake).
🔷 In SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone), urine sodium is typically high despite low serum sodium because the kidneys continue excreting sodium while retaining water.
🔷 This test assists in differentiating between renal and extrarenal losses, which is crucial in planning appropriate treatment.
🔷 It is a standard part of the workup for persistent or severe hyponatremia in hospitalized patients.
Sodium level of 127 mEq/L
🔷 A serum sodium level less than 135 mEq/L confirms the presence of hyponatremia.
🔷A level of 127 mEq/L indicates moderate hyponatremia and may require medical intervention.
🔷 At this level, patients may start exhibiting neurological symptoms due to cellular swelling from osmotic imbalance, especially in the brain.
🔷 Identifying the exact sodium value helps clinicians decide on whether to implement fluid restriction, hypertonic saline, or salt tablets.
🔷 Levels under 130 mEq/L especially warrant close monitoring for deterioration in mental status, seizure risk, or worsening of underlying conditions.
Client reporting headache and fatigue
🔷 These symptoms are classic signs of hyponatremia-induced cerebral edema, where fluid shifts into brain cells due to low extracellular sodium concentration.
🔷 As cells swell, patients experience symptoms such as headache, lethargy, confusion, irritability, and in severe cases, seizures or coma.
🔷 The presence of these symptoms emphasizes the need for neurological monitoring, including frequent level of consciousness checks.
🔷 Headache and fatigue may appear early and are important warning signs of worsening hyponatremia requiring prompt intervention.
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This question is from Custom: NUR105_Midpoint assessment_SU2 which contains 28 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN Custom Exam(s)
- Answer Choices: 5