Author Question: Which finding indicates to the nurse that the current therapies are effective for a patient with ... (Read 69 times)

kellyjaisingh · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

Which finding indicates to the nurse that the current therapies are effective for a patient with acute adrenal insufficiency?

a. Increasing serum sodium levels
b. Decreasing blood glucose levels
c. Decreasing serum chloride levels
d. Increasing serum potassium levels

Question 2

A patient develops carpopedal spasms and tingling of the lips following a parathyroidectomy. Which action should the nurse take first?

a. Administer the ordered muscle relaxant.
b. Give the ordered oral calcium supplement.
c. Have the patient rebreathe from a paper bag.
d. Start the PRN oxygen at 2 L/min per cannula.

zenzy · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Clinical manifestations of Addison's disease include hyponatremia and an increase in sodium level indicates improvement. The other values indicate that treatment has not been effective.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The patient's symptoms suggest mild hypocalcemia. The symptoms of hypocalcemia will be temporarily reduced by having the patient breathe into a paper bag, which will raise the PaCO2 and create a more acidic pH. The muscle relaxant will have no impact on the ionized calcium level. Although severe hypocalcemia can cause laryngeal stridor, there is no indication that this patient is experiencing laryngeal stridor or needs oxygen. Calcium supplements will be given to normalize calcium levels quickly, but oral supplements will take time to be absorbed.