Which of the following is a major clinical manifestation of overhydration?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Edema. Overhydration leads to an excess accumulation of fluid in the body tissues, causing swelling or edema. This occurs when the body's fluid balance is disrupted, leading to increased interstitial fluid. Hypotension (A) is more commonly associated with dehydration. Dehydration (B) is the opposite of overhydration. Hyperkalemia (D) is an electrolyte imbalance that can occur in dehydration or kidney problems, but it is not a major clinical manifestation of overhydration.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. ADH, or antidiuretic hormone, is released by the pituitary gland in response to high blood osmolality or low blood volume. 2. Its primary role is to increase water retention by the kidneys by increasing permeability of the collecting ducts to water. 3. This helps in reducing urine output and maintaining body fluid balance. 4. Choice A is correct as increasing water retention is the main function of ADH. Summary: - Choice B is incorrect as ADH does not directly affect sodium excretion. - Choice C is incorrect as ADH does not directly stimulate thirst. - Choice D is incorrect as ADH does not decrease blood pressure directly.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer hypertonic saline. In a patient with hyponatremia (serum sodium <135 mEq/L), symptoms like headache, nausea, and confusion can indicate severe hyponatremia (<125 mEq/L) with potential for seizures and coma. Hypertonic saline is used to acutely raise sodium levels and treat symptoms of severe hyponatremia. Other options are incorrect because B (oral fluids) can worsen hyponatremia, C (potassium supplements) is not indicated, and D (Trendelenburg position) is not effective for treating hyponatremia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fluid volume overload. In cirrhosis with ascites, fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity, leading to an increase in total body fluid volume. The excess fluid causes fluid volume overload, manifesting as edema and weight gain. Choice A is incorrect because ascites indicates fluid accumulation, not deficit. Choice C, hypernatremia, is unlikely as ascites is associated with dilutional hyponatremia. Choice D, hyperkalemia, is not commonly seen in cirrhosis with ascites without other specific factors like renal dysfunction.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline). Rationale: Normal saline is the most appropriate IV solution for a dehydrated patient exhibiting tachycardia, hypotension, and dry mucous membranes because it is isotonic and helps restore intravascular volume effectively. The 0.9% sodium chloride solution closely resembles the electrolyte composition of extracellular fluid, making it suitable for fluid resuscitation in cases of dehydration. This solution helps to replenish both water and electrolytes, thereby improving the patient's hemodynamic status and overall hydration levels. Summary of other choices: A: 0.45% sodium chloride (half-normal saline) is hypotonic and may not effectively address the electrolyte imbalance and volume depletion seen in dehydration. B: The choice is missing, but it would be incorrect if it was an inappropriate solution for dehydration. C: Dextrose 5% in water (D5W) is a