Question

A 36-year-old client was admitted with gastroenteritis. She has been vomiting and having severe diarrhea for 2 days. She is very weak. The current laboratory results are Na+ 128 mEq/L, K+ 3.0 mEq/L, CI-90 mEq/L. The physician orders IV of 0.9% normal saline solution at 100 mL/hr, NPO, and I & O. 1. Are the lab results normal or abnormal? If so, which ones? 2. What treatment and/or medication(s), if any, would be ordered? 3. What complication(s) if any is likely to develop if the symptoms persist? (Discuss one) 4. What education would you provide to the client to prevent this issue in the future?

Answer 1

1. Hyponatremia, sodium is low

2. To treat hyponatremia doctors advised for saline infusion.

3.

• Seizure
• Coma
• Cardio pulmonary disease
• Death
• Herniation of brain.

4. Should intake salt as per doctor's orders

Monthly sodium assessment