A nurse is assessing four clients for fluid balance. The nurse should identify that which of the following manifestations of dehydration?
A client who has a urine specific gravity of 1.010. (Reference Range 1.005-1.030)
A client who has a hematocrit of 42%. (Reference Range 36-46%)
A client who has a temperature of 39 °C.
A client who has a weight loss of 2.2 kg in 24 hr.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: A client who has a urine specific gravity of 1.010 is not dehydrated. Urine specific gravity is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the urine. A normal range is 1.005-1.030, which means that the urine is neither too dilute nor too concentrated. A high urine specific gravity (>1.030) indicates dehydration, as the urine becomes more concentrated due to fluid loss. A low urine specific gravity (<1.005) indicates overhydration, as the urine becomes more dilute due to fluid excess.
Choice B reason: A client who has a hematocrit of 42% is not dehydrated. Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. A normal range is 36-46% for women and 40-54% for men. A high hematocrit (>54% for men and >46% for women) indicates dehydration, as the blood becomes more viscous due to fluid loss. A low hematocrit (<40% for men and <36% for women) indicates overhydration, as the blood becomes more diluted due to fluid excess.
Choice C reason: A client who has a temperature of 39 °C may or may not be dehydrated. Temperature is a measure of the body's heat production and regulation. A normal range is 36.5-37.5 °C. A high temperature (>37.5 °C) indicates fever, which can be caused by various factors, such as infection, inflammation, or medication. Fever can also cause dehydration, as the body loses fluid through sweating and increased respiration. However, fever is not a specific sign of dehydration, as there may be other causes or contributing factors.
Choice D reason: A client who has a weight loss of 2.2 kg in 24 hr is dehydrated. Weight loss is a measure of the change in the body's mass over time. A normal range is 0.5-1 kg per week. A rapid weight loss (>1 kg per day) indicates dehydration, as the body loses fluid through various routes, such as urine, stool, sweat, or vomit. Weight loss is a sensitive and reliable sign of dehydration, as it reflects the amount of fluid loss.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: The upper right quadrant is not the correct location for McBurney's point. This quadrant contains the liver, gallbladder, right kidney, and part of the colon. Pain in this area may indicate problems with these organs, such as hepatitis, gallstones, or kidney infection.
Choice B reason: The upper left quadrant is not the correct location for McBurney's point. This quadrant contains the stomach, spleen, left kidney, and part of the colon. Pain in this area may indicate problems with these organs, such as gastritis, splenomegaly, or kidney stones.
Choice C reason: The lower right quadrant is the correct location for McBurney's point. This quadrant contains the appendix, right ovary, and right fallopian tube. McBurney's point is a point on the abdomen that is one-third of the distance from the right anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus. Pain in this area may indicate appendicitis, ovarian cyst, or ectopic pregnancy.
Choice D reason: The lower left quadrant is not the correct location for McBurney's point. This quadrant contains the sigmoid colon, left ovary, and left fallopian tube. Pain in this area may indicate problems with these organs, such as diverticulitis, ovarian torsion, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A client who has a urine specific gravity of 1.010 is not dehydrated. Urine specific gravity is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the urine. A normal range is 1.005-1.030, which means that the urine is neither too dilute nor too concentrated. A high urine specific gravity (>1.030) indicates dehydration, as the urine becomes more concentrated due to fluid loss. A low urine specific gravity (<1.005) indicates overhydration, as the urine becomes more dilute due to fluid excess.
Choice B reason: A client who has a hematocrit of 42% is not dehydrated. Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. A normal range is 36-46% for women and 40-54% for men. A high hematocrit (>54% for men and >46% for women) indicates dehydration, as the blood becomes more viscous due to fluid loss. A low hematocrit (<40% for men and <36% for women) indicates overhydration, as the blood becomes more diluted due to fluid excess.
Choice C reason: A client who has a temperature of 39 °C may or may not be dehydrated. Temperature is a measure of the body's heat production and regulation. A normal range is 36.5-37.5 °C. A high temperature (>37.5 °C) indicates fever, which can be caused by various factors, such as infection, inflammation, or medication. Fever can also cause dehydration, as the body loses fluid through sweating and increased respiration. However, fever is not a specific sign of dehydration, as there may be other causes or contributing factors.
Choice D reason: A client who has a weight loss of 2.2 kg in 24 hr is dehydrated. Weight loss is a measure of the change in the body's mass over time. A normal range is 0.5-1 kg per week. A rapid weight loss (>1 kg per day) indicates dehydration, as the body loses fluid through various routes, such as urine, stool, sweat, or vomit. Weight loss is a sensitive and reliable sign of dehydration, as it reflects the amount of fluid loss.
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