Medical-surgical Nursing Demystified

(Sean Pound) #1

CHAPTER 11 Fluids and Electrolytes^423



  • Nausea

  • Diarrhea due to increased gastrointestinal motility

  • Increased bowel sounds due to increased gastrointestinal motility

  • Malaise or excessive activity

  • Muscle weakness

  • Decreased deep tendon reflexes

  • Personality changes due to cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure

  • Altered level of consciousness

  • Seizure


INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS



  • A blood serum sodium level < 135 mEq/L (normal sodium level is 135 to
    145 mEq/L).

  • Spot urine for sodium level.


TREATMENT



  • Water restriction.

  • Administer saline solution IV if patient has fluid deficit (hypovolemic).

  • Furosemide if fluid-overloaded.

  • Treat underlying cause to correct problem.


NURSING DIAGNOSES



  • Deficient fluid volume

  • Excess fluid volume

  • Risk for disturbed thought processes

  • Decreased cardiac output


NURSING INTERVENTION



  • Record fluid intake and output to monitor fluid status.

  • Monitor vital signs.

  • Weigh patient daily.

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