solved. Question
Asked by AgentCraneMaster167
Mary, 82 years old, lives in a nursing home. Her family has noticed the following gradually occurring over the past week: agitation, irritability, and confusion; muscle twitching of extremities; and complaints of being thirsty all the time, even after drinking. They have noticed that her urinary catheter bag doesn’t have as much fluid in it, and she looks flushed at times. Mary has had frequent episodes of diarrhea. The nursing staff drew blood for complete blood count (CBC), serum osmolarity, and electrolytes and has been monitoring her BP and heart rate every 4 hr. Her BP has ranged from 86/60 to 88/66, and her pulse range is 105 to 118 and regular. The staff also reviewed her medication profile and discovered that Mary received two extra doses of lactulose that were not ordered.
A. Based on Mary’s presenting symptoms and the nurse’s knowledge of fluid volume and balance, what does the nurse suspect is happening?
B. What treatment options for Mary will need to be discussed with the family?
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SCIENCE
HEALTH SCIENCE
NURSING
