Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 95%
Simulated
A patient is being admitted to the floor following a motor vehicle accident. because of the stressful nature of the event, the nurse anticipates the patient will continue to have a sympathetic reaction during the post operative period. When monitoring the patient's serum electrolytes, what will the nurse closely monitor?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Decreased potassium. During a sympathetic reaction, the body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to potassium shifting from the bloodstream into cells. This can result in decreased serum potassium levels, known as hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial as low potassium can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness.
Incorrect choices:
A: Increased calcium - Calcium levels are not typically affected by a sympathetic reaction.
B: Decreased sodium - Sodium levels may be affected by other factors, but not necessarily by a sympathetic reaction.
D: Increased chloride - Chloride levels are not directly impacted by a sympathetic reaction in the same way potassium levels are.
By closely monitoring the patient's serum potassium levels, the nurse can intervene promptly if hypokalemia occurs, ensuring the patient's safety and recovery.
Incorrect choices:
A: Increased calcium - Calcium levels are not typically affected by a sympathetic reaction.
B: Decreased sodium - Sodium levels may be affected by other factors, but not necessarily by a sympathetic reaction.
D: Increased chloride - Chloride levels are not directly impacted by a sympathetic reaction in the same way potassium levels are.
By closely monitoring the patient's serum potassium levels, the nurse can intervene promptly if hypokalemia occurs, ensuring the patient's safety and recovery.