Practice Question
A client is admitted to the critical care unit with a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy. When reviewing the client's most recent laboratory results, the nurse would prioritize assessment of which value?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Sodium
Rationale:
🟦 In clients with cardiomyopathy, sodium levels are a priority to monitor because hyponatremia can indicate fluid overload and worsening heart failure, both of which are complications of cardiomyopathy.
🟦 Low sodium is associated with neurohormonal activation (e.g., increased ADH and RAAS activity), and it can signal a poor prognosis in advanced heart failure.
🟦 While liver enzymes (AST, ALT, bilirubin) may rise with hepatic congestion and BUN with renal involvement, serum sodium is more directly related to volume status and cardiac function.
🟦 Early identification of sodium imbalance supports fluid management and medication adjustments such as diuretics or vasopressin antagonists.
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This question is from LPN Medsurg-2025 Summer Exam which contains 74 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: LPN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: LPN ATI Exams
- Domain: Medical-Surgical
- Answer Choices: 4