Question

A nurse is caring for a 15-year-old client following a head injury: True/ False Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that the child is developing syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)?

a) Sodium 148 mEq/L
b) Urine specific gravity 1: True/ False020
c) Mental confusion
d) Weak peripheral pulses

Answer 1

The nurse should identify mental confusion as an indication that the child is developing syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH).

Step-by-step explanation:

True

The nurse should identify mental confusion as an indication that the child is developing syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). SIADH is a condition where the body releases too much antidiuretic hormone (ADH), causing the kidneys to retain more water than necessary. This leads to a decreased sodium level in the blood, which can manifest as mental confusion among other symptoms. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is a condition where the body retains water excessively, leading to dilutional hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood). Therefore, the nurse should identify mental confusion as a potential sign of SIADH due to the effects of hyponatremia on the brain.