Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 67%
Practice
You are called to your patients room by a family member who voices concern about the patients status. On assessment, you find the patient tachypnic, lethargic, weak, and exhibiting a diminished cognitive ability. You also find 3+ pitting edema. What electrolyte imbalance is the most plausible cause of this patients signs and symptoms?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Hyperchloremia. In this scenario, the patient's symptoms point towards fluid overload, which can lead to hyperchloremia due to excessive chloride intake. 3+ pitting edema suggests fluid retention, a common symptom of hyperchloremia. Additionally, tachypnea can occur as a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis seen in hyperchloremia. Lethargy, weakness, and diminished cognitive ability can be attributed to electrolyte imbalances impacting nerve and muscle function.
Choice A: Hypocalcemia is less likely as it typically presents with neuromuscular irritability, not lethargy.
Choice B: Hyponatremia usually presents with neurological symptoms like confusion and seizures, not the symptoms described.
Choice D: Hypophosphatemia typically presents with muscle weakness, not the full constellation of symptoms described.
Choice A: Hypocalcemia is less likely as it typically presents with neuromuscular irritability, not lethargy.
Choice B: Hyponatremia usually presents with neurological symptoms like confusion and seizures, not the symptoms described.
Choice D: Hypophosphatemia typically presents with muscle weakness, not the full constellation of symptoms described.