A 65-year-old female presents with confusion, headache, and muscle weakness. Her sodium level is 120 mEq/L. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate based on her condition?
Administer hypertonic saline and restrict water intake
Start fluid restriction and administer a loop diuretic
Administer isotonic saline and encourage oral fluid intake
Increase oral sodium intake and administer an antiemetic
The Correct Answer is A
A. Administering hypertonic saline (3% NaCl) is appropriate for treating severe hyponatremia, as it helps to raise sodium levels safely. Restricting water intake is also necessary to prevent further dilution of sodium.
B. Fluid restriction with a loop diuretic may not be effective in this scenario and can worsen the hyponatremia by causing further fluid loss without addressing the sodium levels.
C. Isotonic saline is not indicated for correcting severe hyponatremia, and encouraging oral fluid intake could exacerbate the condition.
D. Increasing oral sodium intake is not sufficient for immediate correction of severe hyponatremia and does not address the acute nature of the client’s symptoms.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. DIC is characterized by a low platelet count due to the consumption of platelets in the coagulation process, not an elevated count.
B. While heparin may be used in the management of DIC in some cases, it is not a lifelong treatment nor a cure for the condition, as DIC results from an underlying condition rather than being a standalone disease.
C. DIC involves the overactivation of the coagulation cascade, leading to the formation of fibrin clots and subsequent consumption of clotting factors and platelets, thus making this statement accurate.
D. DIC is not a genetic disorder but rather a complication often associated with severe infections, trauma, or other conditions, and it is not primarily due to vitamin K deficiency.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Muscle weakness and confusion are more commonly associated with metabolic or mixed acid-base disturbances rather than respiratory alkalosis specifically.
B. Decreased deep tendon reflexes and hypotension are not typical signs of respiratory alkalosis, which usually involves changes in breathing patterns.
C. Bradycardia and decreased respiratory rate are more likely associated with respiratory acidosis or other conditions, not with respiratory alkalosis.
D. Rapid, shallow breathing, often due to anxiety or panic attacks, is characteristic of respiratory alkalosis. Patients may also report feelings of panic due to the hyperventilation that leads to this condition.