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 D

Explanation

The correct answer isd. Assess for indications of pulmonary embolism.

Choice A rationale:

Administering a sedative is not appropriate as the priority intervention. Sedatives can depress respiratory function, which is already compromised in this patient.

Choice B rationale:

Preparing for mechanical ventilation might be necessary if the patient’s condition worsens, but it is not the immediate priority. The priority is to identify the underlying cause of the symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

Massaging the calf area for tenderness is not relevant in this context. While calf tenderness can be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to pulmonary embolism, the immediate priority is to assess for pulmonary embolism directly.

Choice D rationale:

Assessing for indications of pulmonary embolism is the priority because the patient’s symptoms (shortness of breath, chest pain, recent use of birth control pills, smoking history, and abnormal ABG values) strongly suggest a pulmonary embolism.Early identification and treatment are crucial to prevent further complications.

A. Phosphorus 4.5 mEq/L. B. Potassium 2.9 mEq/L. C. Calcium 8.2 mg/dL. D. Sodium 145 mEq/L.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

A phosphorus level of 4.5 mEq/L falls within the normal range, which is typically between 2.5 to 4.5 mEq/L. Although it's essential to monitor phosphorus levels, it is not the priority finding in this scenario.

Choice B rationale:

A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L is the priority finding. The normal range for potassium is typically between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L indicates severe hypokalemia, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Immediate intervention is necessary to address the potassium imbalance.

Choice C rationale:

A calcium level of 8.2 mg/dL falls within the normal range (typically 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL). While calcium levels are essential to monitor, they do not take precedence over the critically low potassium level in this situation.

Choice D rationale:

A sodium level of 145 mEq/L falls within the normal range, which is usually around 135 to 145 mEq/L. Although monitoring sodium levels is important, it is not the priority finding when compared to the critically low potassium level.

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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 D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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