The nurse is caring for a patient who is admitted with a serum sodium level of 120 mEq/L. Which is the most important intervention for the nurse to perform?
A) Perform regular neurologic checks and institute seizure precautions.
B) Encourage the patient to eat foods that are high in sodium.
C) Administer hypotonic IV solutions as ordered by the physician.
D) Assess for signs and symptoms of digoxin (Lanoxin) toxicity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A serum sodium level of 124 mEq/L is dangerously low and may cause neurologic problems including seizures, confusion, and weakness. Regular neurologic checks should be performed and the patient should be placed on seizure precautions until the sodium level is corrected. Encouraging the patient to eat high-sodium foods is fine, but it is not as important as the patient's safety. A hypotonic saline solution will further lower the patient's sodium level. Digoxin toxicity is seen with hypokalemia rather than hyponatremia.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is Admitted