A patient comes into the emergency department with complaints of feeling weak, confused, and having abdominal cramps after spending several hours in the hot sun attending a baseball game. The patient's blood pressure is 96/58 mmHg
Which of the following would these signs and symptoms suggest to the nurse? 1. hypernatremia
2. hypocalcemia
3. hypercalcemia
4. hyponatremia
4
Rationale: Manifestations of hyponatremia include hypotension, confusion, headache, lethargy, seizures, decreased muscle tone, muscle twitching, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping. The patient is complaining of feeling weak and confused with abdominal cramps which are symptoms associated with hyponatremia. The blood pressure of 96/58 mm Hg is another indication of hyponatremia. Manifestations of hypernatremia include hypertension, thirst, nausea, and vomiting. Because the patient was sitting out doors in the hot sun for several hours, the patient mostly likely is experiencing hyponatremia. Neither hypocalcemia nor hypercalcemia has the same manifestations as hyponatremia and it is unlikely that the patient is experiencing either of these electrolyte disorders.
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