A nurse is analyzing the laboratory data on a client who has dehydration. Which finding should the nurse anticipate in a client who has fluid volume deficit?
Decreased serum osmolarity
Decreased hematocrit
Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Lower urine specific gravity
The Correct Answer is C
A. Decreased serum osmolarity: Fluid volume deficit typically leads to an increase in serum osmolarity due to concentration of solutes in the blood, not a decrease.
B. Decreased hematocrit: Dehydration causes hemoconcentration, leading to an increase in hematocrit, not a decrease.
C. Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN): Dehydration results in decreased renal perfusion and concentration of urea in the blood, leading to elevated BUN levels.
D. Lower urine specific gravity: Dehydration causes increased urine concentration, resulting in higher urine specific gravity, not lower.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Insert an indwelling catheter if the client has not voided in 3 hr: This task is within the LPN’s scope of practice, including sterile procedures such as catheterization. The RN retains the responsibility to evaluate the client’s overall status but may direct the LPN to insert a catheter under specific conditions.
B. Obtain the abdominal girth now and every 4 hr: This is a non-sterile, routine measurement and would be more appropriately assigned to assistive personnel rather than an LPN.
C. Assess and document the level of consciousness every hour: Assessment of neurological status requires RN-level clinical judgment, particularly in clients at risk for hepatic encephalopathy.
D. Measure the amount of gastric drainage every 2 hr: Although within an LPN’s scope, this task is repetitive and routine and may be more appropriate for assistive personnel under supervision.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Serum calcium levels are not directly indicative of hypervolemia.
B. A urine specific gravity of 1.001 indicates dilute urine, which is a common finding in hypervolemia as the kidneys attempt to excrete excess fluid.
C. Serum sodium levels within the normal range (e.g., 138 mEq/L) are not indicative of hypervolemia.
D. Urine pH of 6.1 is within the normal range and does not specifically indicate hypervolemia.
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