Question

When planning administration of hypertonic saline solution to treat a patient with severe hyponatremia, the nurse monitors for signs and symptoms of overdose as manifested by

a. lethargy and hypotension.
b. vomiting and diarrhea.
c.flushed skin and increased thirst.
d. confusion and seizures.

Answer 1

The nurse should monitor for signs of confusion and seizures when administering hypertonic saline for severe hyponatremia, as these symptoms indicate a potential overdose leading to dangerous complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

When treating severe hyponatremia with hypertonic saline solution, it is crucial for a nurse to monitor for signs of an overdose. The correct signs and symptoms to watch for when concerned about hypertonic saline overdose include confusion and seizures. This is due to the rapid shift of water out of the cells, especially in the brain, which can lead to neurological symptoms. Monitoring for these symptoms is essential to avoid complications such as central pontine myelinolysis, a potential outcome of too rapid correction of hyponatremia.

Hyponatremia can be a result of conditions such as excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, use of diuretics, diabetes, and metabolic or diabetic ketoacidosis. The administration of hypertonic saline increases the osmotic pressure in the blood, which can lead to a flow of fluids from tissues into the bloodstream, and ultimately dehydration if not carefully managed.