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: "I should remove constrictive clothing prior to measuring my blood pressure."
Choice A rationale:
"I will wait 15 minutes after drinking coffee to measure my blood pressure." Caffeine intake can temporarily elevate blood pressure, so waiting 15 minutes after drinking coffee is a good practice. However, this is not the most relevant instruction to ensure accurate blood pressure measurement.
Choice B rationale:
"I will measure my blood pressure while my arm is elevated above my heart." Measuring blood pressure with the arm elevated above the heart can result in artificially low readings. The arm should be supported at heart level for accurate results. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
Choice C rationale:
"I should remove constrictive clothing prior to measuring my blood pressure." This is the correct choice. Constrictive clothing can impact blood flow and give inaccurate readings. Removing tight clothing ensures the blood pressure cuff can be appropriately placed and that the measurements are reliable.
Choice D rationale:
"I should measure my blood pressure immediately after eating breakfast." Blood pressure can be affected by food intake, so it's recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after eating before measuring blood pressure. This choice is not accurate as immediate post-breakfast measurements may not provide accurate results.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Perform a bladder scan.
Choice A rationale:
Performing a bladder scan is the first action the nurse should take before proceeding with intermittent urinary catheterization. A bladder scan assesses the bladder's volume and determines if catheterization is necessary. It helps avoid unnecessary catheterizations, reduces the risk of infection, and promotes patient comfort.
Choice B rationale:
While cleansing the meatus and providing perineal care are important steps in preparing for urinary catheterization, they come after assessing the need for catheterization. Without knowing the bladder volume, these actions could be premature.
Choice C rationale:
Providing perineal care is important for maintaining hygiene and preventing infection, but it should be done after the decision for catheterization has been made based on the bladder scan results.
Choice D rationale:
Lubricating the catheter is a step that should be taken after the decision for catheterization is made and the need for catheterization is confirmed. It helps ease the insertion process and reduce discomfort for the patient.
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