A 55 year old male shortly after finishing a marathon became confused, dizzy, extremely weak and began to cramp. He immediately began to drink water but did not improve, instead he suddenly collapsed without becoming unconscious

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A 55 year old male shortly after finishing a marathon became confused, dizzy, extremely weak and began to cramp. He immediately began to drink water but did not improve, instead he suddenly collapse... d without becoming unconscious. The nurse on the scene assessed the patient’s condition and concluded that he was severely dehydrated. She proceeded to give him 1000 mL of D5W intravenously. The patient did not improve, instead he began to have a seizure so he was immediately taken to the hospital. At the hospital a blood panel was ran and it revealed that he was severely hyponatremic. Medical history also revealed that the patient suffers from chronic hyperglycemia (diabetes), adrenal insufficiency, lactose intolerance and high blood cholesterol. He was treated with hypertonic saline (3% NaCl) and a diuretic. He recovered within 24 hours. 1. What mistake did the nurse make that lead him to have a seizure? Explain. 2. What information about the patient's medical history could have helped the nurse? Why? 3. Why was he given hypertonic saline? 4. Why was he given a diuretic? 5. How should have the nurse initially treated him to prevent him from having a seizure? Based on the information she had. [Show More]

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