A nurse is caring for a client who has been vomiting and has diarrhea. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of fluid volume deficit?
BUN 18 mg/dL.
A thready pulse.
Hemoglobin 15 g/dL.
Prominent neck veins.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B: A thready pulse.
Choice A rationale:
BUN (blood urea nitrogen) level of 18 mg/dL falls within the normal range, which is typically around 7-20 mg/dL. An elevated BUN might indicate dehydration or kidney dysfunction, but a value of 18 mg/dL does not necessarily suggest fluid volume deficit.
Choice B rationale:
A thready pulse is a weak and easily compressible pulse that indicates poor circulation and reduced fluid volume in the circulatory system. Vomiting and diarrhea lead to fluid loss, which can result in fluid volume deficit. Thus, a thready pulse is a significant finding in this context.
Choice C rationale:
Hemoglobin level of 15 g/dL is within the normal range for hemoglobin (usually around 12-16 g/dL for women and 14-18 g/dL for men). While vomiting and diarrhea can lead to mild dehydration, a hemoglobin level of 15 g/dL alone does not strongly suggest fluid volume deficit.
Choice D rationale:
Prominent neck veins are typically associated with increased central venous pressure, which can indicate fluid volume overload rather than fluid volume deficit. In the context of vomiting and diarrhea, neck veins are unlikely to become prominent due to volume depletion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Pallor with scaly skin.
Choice A rationale:
"Heart rate 89/min." Heart rate within the range of 60-100 beats per minute is generally considered normal for adults at rest. This value doesn't specifically indicate malnourishment.
Choice B rationale:
"Pink mucous membranes." Pink mucous membranes indicate adequate oxygenation and hydration but don't necessarily reflect nutritional status or malnourishment.
Choice C rationale:
"Pallor with scaly skin." Pallor (pale skin) along with scaly skin can be indicative of malnourishment. Malnourished individuals may not receive adequate n
Choice D rationale:
"Body mass index 23." A body mass index (BMI) of 23 falls within the normal range (18.5-24.9), so it doesn't necessarily indicate malnourishment. However, BMI alone may not fully capture malnourishment, as it doesn't consider other factors like muscle mass and specific nutrient deficiencies.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice **d. Providing client information to another nurse at change of shift**.
Choice A rationale:
Sharing the client's prognosis with a family member without the client's consent violates the client's right to confidentiality. The nurse should only disclose information to family members if the client has provided permission or if it is necessary for the client's care.
Choice B rationale:
Discussing the client's status with a member of the spiritual support team may be appropriate if the client has consented to spiritual support and the nurse limits the discussion to information relevant to the spiritual care. However, disclosing the client's diagnosis or other sensitive information without the client's consent would still be a breach of confidentiality.
Choice C rationale:
Collaborating with a nurse from another unit about the client's care is appropriate if it is necessary for the client's treatment and if the discussion is limited to information relevant to the client's care. The nurse should ensure that the discussion takes place in a private setting and that no unauthorized individuals can overhear the conversation.
Choice D rationale:
Providing client information to another nurse at change of shift is necessary for the continuity of the client's care and is considered an appropriate disclosure within the healthcare team. The nurse should ensure that the discussion takes place in a private setting and that no unauthorized individuals can overhear the conversation.
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