An older patient comes into the clinic complaining of watery diarrhea for several days with abdominal and muscle cramping. The nurse realizes that this patient is demonstrating which imbalance?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms of watery diarrhea and muscle cramping suggest a loss of sodium in the body, which is consistent with hyponatremia. Fluid volume excess would present with edema and weight gain, which are not mentioned as symptoms. Hypernatremia and hyperkalemia would present with different symptoms such as muscle weakness, confusion, and arrhythmias.

An Older Patient Comes into the Clinic Complaining of Watery