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

Sodium 155 mEq/L. Choice A rationale:

A urine specific gravity of 1.035 indicates concentrated urine and is consistent with fluid volume deficit. However, it is not the most specific finding for this condition.

Choice B rationale:

A BUN (blood urea nitrogen) level of 19 mg/dL can be a normal value. It is within the reference range (usually around 7-20 mg/dL) and does not provide specific information about fluid volume deficit.

Choice C rationale:

A hematocrit of 44.9% can also be within the normal range for some individuals, and while it can be elevated in cases of fluid volume deficit, it is not as sensitive as other parameters for detecting this condition.

Choice D rationale:
This is the correct answer because a sodium level of 155 mEq/L is elevated and indicates hypernatremia, which is associated with fluid volume deficit. Hypernatremia occurs when there is a relative lack of water in relation to the sodium concentration in the blood, and it can lead to dehydration

A. Add the ordered dose to the IV hanging. B. Administer the dose IV push over 3 minutes. C. Monitor the injection site for redness. D. D. Use an infusion controller for the IV. E. Monitor fluid intake and output.

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

The correct answer is choiceC. Monitor the injection site for redness,D. Use an infusion controller for the IV, andE. Monitor fluid intake and output.

Choice A rationale:

Adding the ordered dose to the IV hanging is incorrect because potassium chloride should never be added to an already hanging IV solution due to the risk of uneven distribution and potential overdose.

Choice B rationale:

Administering the dose IV push over 3 minutes is incorrect because potassium chloride should never be given by direct IV injection.It must always be diluted and administered slowly to prevent cardiac complications.

Choice C rationale:

Monitoring the injection site for redness is correct because potassium chloride can cause irritation and phlebitis at the injection site.

Choice D rationale:

Using an infusion controller for the IV is correct because it ensures the potassium chloride is administered at a controlled rate, reducing the risk of rapid infusion and potential cardiac issues.

Choice E rationale:

Monitoring fluid intake and output is correct because it helps assess the patient’s overall fluid balance and detect any signs of fluid overload or deficit, which is crucial when administering potassium.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has fluid volume deficit. The nurse would expect which of the following findings?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The patient is prescribed to receive intravenous potassium chloride (KCL). Which actions should the nurse take when administering this medication? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

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