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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Hypernatremia.

Choice A rationale:

Hypernatremia is the most likely condition the client is experiencing based on the laboratory result of Sodium 144 mEq/L, which is above the normal range of 136 to 145 mEq/L. Hypernatremia is an elevated sodium level in the blood and can cause various symptoms like extreme thirst, dry mucous membranes, and altered mental status.

Choice B rationale:

To address hypernatremia, the nurse should take two actions. Action 1: Prepare to check a serum albumin level. This is important as hypernatremia can be caused by a relative water deficit due to excess solutes, and measuring serum albumin helps assess the body's water balance. Action 2: Request a STAT ECG. Hypernatremia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, so an ECG is essential to monitor the patient's heart rhythm. Parameters to Monitor: Parameter 1 - Serum bicarbonate level: Monitoring bicarbonate levels helps evaluate acid-base balance and assess the impact of hypernatremia on the body's buffering systems. Parameter 2 - Intake and Output: Monitoring the patient's fluid intake and output is crucial to ensure proper hydration and track response to treatment.

A. Administering a potassium-sparing diuretic. B. Administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate. C. Initiating an IV potassium infusion. D. Encouraging the client to eat bananas.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is choice B) Administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

Choice A rationale:

Administering a potassium-sparing diuretic is not appropriate for a client with hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). Potassium-sparing diuretics would further increase potassium levels, worsening the condition.

Choice B rationale:

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used to treat hyperkalemia. It works by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines, which helps to lower serum potassium levels by excreting it through the stool.

Choice C rationale:

Initiating an IV potassium infusion would be contraindicated in this situation as it would increase the already elevated potassium levels, potentially leading to dangerous cardiac complications.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging the client to eat bananas is not advisable because bananas are high in potassium, which would exacerbate hyperkalemia.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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