Question

A client post craniotomy has been diagnosed with SIADH. Which symptoms would the nurse expect the client to exhibit? A. Polydipsia and bradycardia B. Euphoria and polyuria C. Muscle weakness and irritability D. Ringing in the ears and blurred vision

Short answer

Answer: Muscle weakness and irritability.

Step-by-step solution

Understand SIADH

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) is a condition where the body produces too much antidiuretic hormone, causing excess water retention and dilutional hyponatremia. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including brain trauma, brain surgery, or some medications. The symptoms of SIADH result from the body's attempts to balance fluid levels and maintain a normal sodium concentration.

Analyze option A

Polydipsia is excessive thirst, and bradycardia is a slow heart rate. While polydipsia could result from an imbalance in fluid levels, it is more commonly related to conditions that cause dehydration, like diabetes insipidus. Bradycardia is not typically associated with SIADH. So, option A is not the correct answer.

Analyze option B

Euphoria is a feeling of intense happiness and well-being, and polyuria is excessive urination. Although these symptoms could be found in various medical conditions, they are not directly related to the fluid imbalance and sodium concentration issues characteristic of SIADH. Therefore, option B is not the correct answer.

Analyze option C

Muscle weakness and irritability can indeed be symptoms of SIADH, as they might result from low sodium concentrations in the blood (hyponatremia). These symptoms occur when the body cannot effectively regulate fluid balance, and they are often seen in patients with SIADH. Option C seems to be the correct answer. Nevertheless, let's analyze option D as well.

Analyze option D

Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and blurred vision are symptoms commonly associated with ear or eye issues, not with SIADH. These symptoms do not relate directly to the fluid imbalance or sodium concentration issues seen in SIADH, so option D is not the correct answer.

Choose the correct option

Based on our analysis of the options, option C (Muscle weakness and irritability) is the best description of the symptoms a nurse would expect to see in a client with SIADH post craniotomy. Therefore, the correct answer is: C. Muscle weakness and irritability.

Key concepts

NCLEX-RN Exam

The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is a critical step for nursing candidates to obtain licensure and practice as registered nurses. It is a comprehensive test designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are essential for safe and effective practice of nursing at the entry-level.

The exam covers various aspects of healthcare, including client needs, health maintenance and promotion, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity. This extensive exam requires thorough preparation, and candidates often seek resources like textbook solutions for practice and review. A strong understanding of conditions like Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone secretion (SIADH), which can appear as a test question, is a must for success on the NCLEX-RN.

Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of sodium in the blood. Sodium is vital for various body functions, including fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction.

SIADH is one of the common causes of hyponatremia, as it leads to excess retention of water, which in turn dilutes the sodium concentration. Symptoms of hyponatremia can range from nausea and headache to severe muscle weakness and irritability, as our textbook example illustrates. It is crucial for students, especially those preparing for the NCLEX-RN, to recognize the signs and symptoms of hyponatremia and understand its management.

Nursing Assessment

Nursing assessment is a cornerstone of patient care. It involves a systematic collection and analysis of patient data to guide nursing diagnoses and interventions. Accurate assessment of symptoms, such as those presented in our SIADH example, is essential to differentiate among various health conditions.

For instance, recognizing symptoms like muscle weakness and irritability as potential indicators of hyponatremia can lead to timely intervention. Effective nursing assessments are dynamic and ongoing processes that ensure patient needs are met through proper monitoring and accurate interpretation of patient signs and symptoms.

Endocrine Disorders

Endocrine disorders encompass a range of conditions caused by imbalances in hormones, which are crucial regulators of body functions. SIADH represents one such disorder, where there is excessive release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

Nurses must have a solid understanding of endocrine disorders to perform accurate assessments and provide appropriate care. This knowledge is also vital for nursing students preparing for licensure exams such as the NCLEX-RN, as questions on such disorders are common. Recognizing how endocrine dysfunctions manifest, like the caused hyponatremia in SIADH, is essential for both exams and clinical practice.