A nurse is caring for a client 4 hours following surgical repair of a penetrating brain injury. Which of the following assessments should be the nurse's priority?
Pain level assessment.
Wound site assessment.
Neurological assessment.
Respiratory status assessment.
The Correct Answer is C
A. While pain level assessment is important, it is not the priority immediately after a significant brain injury where neurological changes may occur.
B. Wound site assessment is also essential but does not take precedence over neurological assessment in this context.
C. A neurological assessment is the priority to identify any changes in the client's condition that may indicate complications such as increased intracranial pressure, which can occur after brain surgery.
D. Respiratory status assessment is important but is usually addressed through monitoring and interventions related to neurological function, as brain injuries can affect respiratory drive and function.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Increased insulin production would not cause polyuria and low specific gravity urine; rather, hyperglycemia from lack of insulin can cause high specific gravity due to glucose in urine.
B. Increased ACTH affects cortisol production but is not directly related to urine concentration or polyuria.
C. Low T3 and T4 levels are associated with hypothyroidism, which typically does not cause polyuria or decreased specific gravity.
D. Insufficient ADH, as seen in diabetes insipidus, leads to the inability to concentrate urine, resulting in a low specific gravity, polyuria, and nocturia due to excessive water loss.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hypotension is not typically associated with adrenal cortex hyperfunction; in fact, patients may experience hypertension due to excess cortisol and aldosterone.
B. Dehydration is more common with adrenal insufficiency than hyperfunction, as excess hormone production often leads to fluid retention.
C. Hyponatremia is generally not a concern with adrenal cortex hyperfunction; clients may experience hypernatremia instead due to fluid retention.
D. Hypokalemia is a significant risk in clients with adrenal cortex hyperfunction, especially due to the effects of excessive aldosterone, which promotes sodium retention and potassium excretion.