A nurse is caring for a client who has dehydration and reports muscle cramps and constipation. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse expect?
Decreased serum potassium
Decreased BUN
Decreased hematocrit (Hct)
Decreased specific gravity
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale
A. Decreased serum potassium: Dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances, including hypokalemia. Muscle cramps and constipation are common signs of low potassium levels, as potassium is essential for normal muscle and nerve function. Monitoring electrolytes helps guide appropriate replacement therapy.
B. Decreased BUN: Dehydration typically causes an elevation in BUN due to hemoconcentration and reduced renal perfusion. A decreased BUN would not be expected in fluid volume deficit.
C. Decreased hematocrit (Hct): Hematocrit usually increases during dehydration because of reduced plasma volume, leading to hemoconcentration. A decreased Hct would suggest anemia or fluid overload, not dehydration.
D. Decreased specific gravity: Specific gravity of urine increases with dehydration as the kidneys concentrate urine to conserve water. A decreased specific gravity indicates diluted urine, which is not consistent with fluid deficit.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale
A. Insulin Glargine 20 units SUBQ qd: The abbreviation "qd" can be misinterpreted and is considered unsafe in medication orders. Insulin requires precise dosing and timing to prevent hypo- or hyperglycemia. The nurse should clarify the prescription with the provider and document "once daily" to ensure safe administration.
B. Ceftriaxone 250 mg IM stat: This prescription is clear regarding the medication, dose, route, and timing. "Stat" indicates immediate administration, which is understandable and requires no clarification.
C. Diazepam 5 mg PO Q8h PRN muscle spasms: The prescription clearly specifies the dose, route, frequency, and indication. The nurse can safely administer as needed without needing clarification.
D. Digoxin 0.5 mg IV once: The prescription provides complete information about the medication, dose, route, and single administration. No ambiguous abbreviations are present, so clarification is unnecessary.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale
A. Telephone number: Using the client’s unique identifiers, such as name and date of birth, is standard practice, but if multiple identifiers are required, asking the client to confirm information like a telephone number helps ensure correct identification. Proper identification prevents errors in assessment, medication administration, and procedures.
B. Diagnosis: A client’s diagnosis does not uniquely identify them because multiple clients may share the same condition. Relying on diagnosis alone could lead to misidentification and errors in care.
C. Provider's name: The healthcare provider’s name is not a reliable client identifier. Multiple clients may be under the care of the same provider, so using this information cannot ensure the correct patient is being assessed.
D. Room number: Room numbers are temporary and can change; several clients may share a room at different times. Using room number alone is insufficient to confirm identity and does not meet safety standards for patient identification.
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