Which information is most important for the nurse to communicate rapidly to the health care provider about a patient admitted with possible syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)?
a. The patient has a recent weight gain of 9 lb.
b. The patient complains of dyspnea with activity.
c. The patient has a urine specific gravity of 1.025.
d. The patient has a serum sodium level of 118 mEq/L.
ANS: D
A serum sodium of less than 120 mEq/L increases the risk for complications such as seizures and needs rapid correction. The other data are not unusual for a patient with SIADH and do not indicate the need for rapid action.
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