A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure and is taking furosemide. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing fluid volume deficit?
Weight gain
Distended neck veins
Shortness of breath
Elevated hematocrit level
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Weight gain is incorrect. Weight gain is typically associated with fluid volume excess rather than deficit. In heart failure, fluid retention can lead to weight gain due to excess fluid accumulation in the body.
Choice B Reason:
Distended neck veins is incorrect. Distended neck veins are a sign of fluid volume excess, commonly seen in heart failure due to increased venous pressure and fluid retention.
Choice C Reason:
Shortness of breath is incorrect.: Shortness of breath is often associated with fluid accumulation in the lungs, known as pulmonary edema, which is a manifestation of fluid volume excess or fluid overload in heart failure.
Choice D Reason:
Elevated hematocrit level is correct. Furosemide is a diuretic that promotes diuresis (increased urine output), leading to fluid loss. When a client experiences fluid volume deficit or dehydration due to increased diuresis, there is a concentration of red blood cells in the blood, resulting in an elevated hematocrit level. This occurs because the blood becomes more concentrated when there's less fluid volume available.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Bilateral muscle weakness is not typically associated specifically with fluid volume excess. Muscle weakness can result from various causes, such as electrolyte imbalances or certain medical conditions, but it's not a primary manifestation of fluid volume excess.
Choice B Reason:
Thready pulse is not correct. A thready pulse refers to a weak and barely palpable pulse. This is more commonly associated with conditions like shock or reduced cardiac output rather than fluid volume excess.
Choice C Reason:
Decreased bowel sounds is not correct. Reduced or absent bowel sounds may indicate gastrointestinal issues, but they are not a direct manifestation of fluid volume excess. Increased bowel sounds might be more associated with certain types of gastrointestinal disturbances or fluid imbalances, but decreased sounds are not a typical sign of fluid volume excess.
Choice D Reason:
Distended neck veins is correct. In a client experiencing fluid volume excess, distended neck veins can often be observed due to increased venous pressure. This occurs as a result of the body retaining more fluid than it can handle, leading to an increase in blood volume and pressure within the vascular system. This can cause the jugular veins in the neck to appear distended or prominent.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Sodium 141 mEq/L is incorrect. This value is within the normal range (usually around 135-145 mEq/L).
Choice B Reason:
Potassium 2.5 mEq/ is correct. Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can lead to potassium loss through increased urine output. If a client already has a low potassium level (hypokalemia), administering furosemide can further decrease potassium levels, potentially causing or worsening hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can lead to various complications, including cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice C Reason:
WBC count 8,000/mm3 is incorrect. This value falls within the normal range for white blood cell count.
Choice D Reason:
INR 1.0: An INR of 1.0 is within the normal range for a person not on anticoagulation therapy.

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
