Question

The nurse is caring for a client with hyponatremia. What are independent interventions that the nurse can perform to help manage the client's electrolyte imbalance?

1) Involve client in meal planning
2) Weigh client daily
3) Administer oral sodium supplements
4) Administer intravenous sodium
5) Monitor intake and output

Answer 1

For a client with hyponatremia, independent interventions that a nurse can perform include involving the client in meal planning, weighing the client daily, and monitoring intake and output.

Step-by-step explanation:

Independent nursing interventions for a client with hyponatremia include:

• Involve the client in meal planning to encourage consumption of sodium-rich foods.
• Weigh the client daily to monitor for sudden weight changes that may indicate fluid balance issues.
• Monitor intake and output to assess the balance of fluids and the effectiveness of treatments.

Intravenous corrections, such as ordinary NaCl solution or a mixture of isotonic saline and Na lactate, are important treatments but they require a physician’s order. Thus, administering oral sodium supplements or intravenous sodium are not considered independent nursing interventions but would be dependent interventions that require an order from a healthcare provider.