A nurse is caring for a client who has dehydration due to diarrhea. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

BUN 18 mg/dL

Serum creatinine 1.0 mg/dL

Urine output 12 mL/hr

Urine specific gravity 1.020

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. BUN 18 mg/dL is incorrect. A BUN (blood urea nitrogen) level of 18 mg/dL is within the normal range (typically 7–20 mg/dL) and does not indicate immediate concern in this context. An elevated BUN could indicate dehydration, but this level is not significantly elevated.

B. Serum creatinine 1.0 mg/dL is incorrect. Serum creatinine levels are also within normal limits for most adults, which is around 0.6–1.2 mg/dL, and this finding does not indicate a problem.

C. Urine output 12 mL/hr is correct. A urine output of 12 mL/hr is low and indicates oliguria, which is a concern in the context of dehydration. The normal urine output for an adult is at least 30 mL/hr. A decrease in urine output suggests that the kidneys are not receiving adequate blood flow, which could indicate severe dehydration and requires immediate attention from the provider.

D. Urine specific gravity 1.020 is incorrect. Urine specific gravity of 1.020 is within the normal range (typically 1.005–1.030) and indicates that the kidneys are concentrating urine appropriately, which is not a concerning finding in this case.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Heart rhythm: This is correct. Hypothermia, indicated by a body temperature of 32.5°C (90.5°F), can affect the cardiovascular system, potentially causing arrhythmias or even cardiac arrest. Monitoring heart rhythm is critical because of the risk of life-threatening cardiac complications associated with severe hypothermia.

B. Urinary output: While urinary output may decrease in hypothermic conditions due to vasoconstriction, it is not the priority. Cardiac function takes precedence, as severe hypothermia can lead to fatal arrhythmias.

C. Pain sensation: Although decreased pain sensation can occur in hypothermia, it is less urgent to monitor compared to the potential for life-threatening arrhythmias or cardiac arrest.

D. Muscle strength: While hypothermia can impair muscle strength, it is not the priority compared to monitoring for cardiac irregularities, which can be fatal if left unchecked.

A. Nausea and vomiting B. Altered mental status C. Dysrhythmias D. Hypothermia

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting can be present with hypernatremia (high sodium levels), but they are not the most prominent or specific symptom. The client may experience these symptoms, but they are usually accompanied by other signs.

B. Altered mental status: This is a common manifestation of hypernatremia. The elevated sodium level causes an osmotic imbalance, leading to water shifting out of cells, which results in neurological symptoms, including confusion, lethargy, or seizures.

C. Dysrhythmias: Dysrhythmias can occur with electrolyte imbalances, including hypernatremia, but the primary symptoms related to sodium levels are more often neurological in nature, such as confusion or altered mental status, rather than dysrhythmias specifically.

D. Hypothermia: Hypernatremia typically causes an increase in body temperature, not hypothermia. Elevated sodium levels cause dehydration, which could contribute to increased body temperature rather than cooling.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has dehydration due to diarrhea. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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