A patient with severe hyponatraemia becomes confused and develops a seizure. Which action is the priority?
Correct answer: A. Protect the patient from injury and maintain airway safety
- A. Protect the patient from injury and maintain airway safety
- B. Offer plain water to correct the sodium concentration
- C. Encourage walking to assess muscle strength
- D. Administer potassium rapidly through a peripheral vein
Explanation
Severe hyponatraemia can cause cerebral oedema, confusion and seizures. The immediate priority is safety, airway protection and prompt medical management, which may include carefully controlled hypertonic saline. Giving plain water worsens dilutional hyponatraemia, and potassium does not correct the primary problem.
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About Nutrition, Fluids and Electrolytes
Coverage includes nutrients and balanced diets, therapeutic feeding, enteral and parenteral nutrition, intake and output, dehydration, fluid overload and fluid balance calculations. Questions also examine sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride disturbances, their signs and nursing care, while distinguishing enteral feeding through the gastrointestinal tract from parenteral nutrition.
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50 free Nutrition, Fluids and Electrolytes MCQs from Fundamentals of Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
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