Question

A 15-year-old female diagnosed previously with anorexia nervosa (AN) is admitted to the emergency department. Her mother states that her daughter has not voided in 24 hours and has been lethargic for the last 12 hours. The patient appears cachectic and pale, and her weight is recorded as 78 pounds. She is minimally responsive to painful stimulation. A number of diagnostic tests are obtained. Which one of these represents the most immediate threat to her life requiring intervention? a. Serum sodium of $149 \mathrm{mEq}$ b. Serum potassium of $2.6 \mathrm{mEq}$ c. Hemoglobin of $6.8 \mathrm{mg}$ d. Arterial $\mathrm{pH}$ of 7.30

   A 15-year-old female diagnosed previously with anorexia nervosa (AN) is admitted to the emergency department. Her mother states that her daughter has not voided in 24 hours and has been lethargic for the last 12 hours. The patient appears cachectic and pale, and her weight is recorded as 78 pounds. She is minimally responsive to painful stimulation. A number of diagnostic tests are obtained. Which one of these represents the most immediate threat to her life requiring intervention?
a. Serum sodium of $149 \mathrm{mEq}$
b. Serum potassium of $2.6 \mathrm{mEq}$
c. Hemoglobin of $6.8 \mathrm{mg}$
d. Arterial $\mathrm{pH}$ of 7.30

Wong’s Essentials of Pediatric Nursing

Marilyn J.… 10th Edition

Chapter 16, Problem 4

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The patient's symptoms of lethargy, lack of urine output, cachexia, and minimal responsiveness to painful stimulation suggest severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Option a: A serum sodium level of 149 mEq is significantly elevated. This could be due to Show more…

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A 15-year-old female diagnosed previously with anorexia nervosa (AN) is admitted to the emergency department. Her mother states that her daughter has not voided in 24 hours and has been lethargic for the last 12 hours. The patient appears cachectic and pale, and her weight is recorded as 78 pounds. She is minimally responsive to painful stimulation. A number of diagnostic tests are obtained. Which one of these represents the most immediate threat to her life requiring intervention? a. Serum sodium of $149 \mathrm{mEq}$ b. Serum potassium of $2.6 \mathrm{mEq}$ c. Hemoglobin of $6.8 \mathrm{mg}$ d. Arterial $\mathrm{pH}$ of 7.30

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