When a client's serum sodium level is 120 mmol/L, the priority ...

[bobbysung]

When a client's serum sodium level is 120 mmol/L, the priority nursing assessment is to monitor the status of which of the following body systems?
 
  a. Neurological
  b. Gastrointestinal
  c. Pulmonary
  d. Hepatic

Question 2

Nurses in the medical centre are working with clients experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after losing family members from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
 
  Which of the following approaches would be appropriate to incorporate into the plan of care? a. Suppression of anxiety-producing memories
  b. Reinforcement that the PTSD is short term
  c. Promotion of relaxation strategies
  d. Focusing on physical needs

[ms_sulzle]

Answer to Question 1

A
Because sodium is necessary for nerve-impulse transmission, the priority nursing assessment with hyponatremia is the neurological system, as it can progress to convulsions and coma.
The gastrointestinal system is not the body system for priority assessment.
The pulmonary system is not the body system for priority assessment. Neurological changes will occur first.
The hepatic system is not the body system for priority assessment.

Answer to Question 2

C
Teaching the client relaxation strategies can help reduce the stress of anxiety-provoking thoughts and events, as seen in PTSD, and reinforces an adaptive coping strategy. In the presence of anxi-ety-provoking thoughts and events, a common physiological symptom is muscle tension. Physi-ological tension will be diminished through a systematic approach to releasing tension in major muscle groups.
Suppression would be a maladaptive coping mechanism.
PTSD persists longer than one month.
The focus should be on developing adaptive coping mechanisms and lowering the individual's anxiety. The primary focus is not on physical needs for the client who is experiencing PTSD.

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TY

[ms_sulzle]

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