A nurse is caring for a client who has acute dehydration and is receiving IV fluids.
Which of the following laboratory values indicates to the nurse that the current treatment regimen is effective?
Sodium 165 mEq/L
Hematocrit 62.5
Urine specific gravity 1.020
D. Potassium 3.2 mEq/L
D. Potassium 3.2 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
A sodium level of 165 mEq/L is higher than the normal range and could indicate that the body is still dehydrated.
Choice B rationale
A hematocrit of 62.5 is higher than the normal range and could suggest that the body is still dehydrated.
Choice C rationale
A urine specific gravity of 1.020 is within the normal range and suggests that the body is rehydrating effectively.
Choice D rationale
A potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L is lower than the normal range and could suggest that the body’s electrolyte balance has not yet been restored.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Increased glucose levels can be a sign of dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, it can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Choice B rationale
A blood creatinine level of 0.6 mg/dL is within the normal range and does not typically indicate dehydration.
Choice C rationale
An increased blood osmolarity, such as 260 mOsm/kg, can be a sign of dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, the concentration of solutes in the blood can increase, leading to higher osmolarity.
Choice D rationale
A high urine specific gravity, such as 1.035, can indicate dehydration. This measurement reflects the concentration of solutes in the urine, and a high value can mean that the body is conserving water due to dehydration.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hypothermia is not a typical finding in a client who has had diarrhea for several days. Diarrhea does not typically affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
Choice B rationale
Dehydration is a common finding in a client who has had diarrhea for several days. Diarrhea can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte loss, causing dehydration.
Choice C rationale
Decreased bowel sounds are not typically associated with diarrhea. In fact, hyperactive bowel sounds are more common due to increased intestinal motility.
Choice D rationale
A rigid abdomen is not a typical finding in a client who has had diarrhea for several days. A rigid abdomen may indicate a serious condition such as peritonitis or bowel obstruction, which are not typically associated with diarrhea.
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