A- A combination of reasons exists as to why Mary is behaving this way. She is having fluid and electrolyte imbalance. She was given lactulose which was not order by the doctor. Lactulose, when taking cause diarrhea and can cause the patient to lose some electrolytes. Based on Mary’s symptoms, I would say she is Hypernatremic.
B- First of all, I will assess the patient’s overall fluid status when determining the cause of hypernatremia. I will take note of signs of volume status, including skin turgor, orthostatic vital signs, and mucous membrane. Since neurologic deficits are common in hypernatremia, I will perform a thorough neurologic assessment. I would expect the doctor to prescribe hypotonic IV infusion such as 0.225% or 0.45% NS to
B- First of all, I will assess the patient’s overall fluid status when determining the cause of hypernatremia. I will take note of signs of volume status, including skin turgor, orthostatic vital signs, and mucous membrane. Since neurologic deficits are common in hypernatremia, I will perform a thorough neurologic assessment. I would expect the doctor to prescribe hypotonic IV infusion such as 0.225% or 0.45% NS to