A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving IV fluids to correct dehydration. Which of the following laboratory values should indicate to the nurse that the client is effectively responding to treatment?
Urine specific gravity 1.020.
Potassium 5.2 mEq/L.
Hct 6296.
Sodium 165 mEq/L.
The Correct Answer is A
Urine specific gravity 1.020.
Choice A rationale:
Urine specific gravity is a measure of urine concentration, indicating the ability of the kidneys to concentrate or dilute urine. A specific gravity of 1.020 falls within the normal range (typically 1.010 to 1.030). An appropriate specific gravity indicates that the client's kidneys are responding well to the IV fluids, maintaining adequate urine output and concentration.
Choice B rationale:
Potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L is above the normal range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. However, this value does not specifically indicate whether the client is responding effectively to the IV fluids for dehydration.
Choice C rationale:
Hct (Hematocrit) of 6296 is not a valid measurement; it appears to be a typographical error or an incomplete value. Therefore, it cannot be used to assess the client's response to treatment.
Choice D rationale:
Sodium level of 165 mEq/L is elevated beyond the normal range of 136 to 145 mEq/L. However, this value does not provide information about the client's response to IV fluids for dehydration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The arterial blood gas results show a low pH (acidosis) and an elevated Paco2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide), which indicates respiratory acidosis. This condition occurs when there is inadequate removal of carbon dioxide through ventilation, leading to an accumulation of carbonic acid in the blood and a decrease in pH.
Choice B rationale:
Metabolic acidosis would present with a low pH and a low bicarbonate (HCO3-) level, not an elevated Paco2.
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis would present with a high pH and an elevated bicarbonate (HCO3-) level, not an elevated Paco2.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis would present with a high pH and a decreased Paco2, not an elevated Paco2 as seen in this case.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Narcotics are not known to directly cause hypokalemia. Their main effects are related to pain relief and central nervous system depression.
Choice B rationale:
Thiazide diuretics can cause potassium loss in the urine, leading to hypokalemia. These diuretics work by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule, which can lead to potassium excretion as well.
Choice C rationale:
Corticosteroids can cause sodium and water retention but are not typically associated with significant potassium abnormalities.
Choice D rationale:
Muscle relaxers are not known to cause hypokalemia. They primarily act on the neuromuscular junction and do not directly impact potassium levels.
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