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?

Choice A: Limit intake of canned soups is correct because canned soups are high in sodium and can increase blood
pressure and fluid retention. The nurse should advise the client to choose low-sodium or homemade soups instead.

Choice B: Choose botled salad dressings is incorrect because botled salad dressings are also high in sodium and can have added sugars and fats. The nurse should advise the client to make their own salad dressings with vinegar, oil, herbs, and spices.

Choice C: Choose diet sodas over botled water is incorrect because diet sodas are not a healthy alternative to water. Diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners, caffeine, and phosphoric acid, which can affect the body's pH balance and calcium absorption. The nurse should advise the client to drink plain water or flavored water with natural ingredients.

Choice D: Replace processed meats with fresh meat products is correct because processed meats such as bacon, ham, sausage, and hot dogs are high in sodium and preservatives. The nurse should advise the client to choose fresh meat products such as chicken, turkey, fish, or lean beef.

Choice E: Read labels on foods before eating is correct because reading labels can help the client identify the sodium content and other ingredients in foods. The nurse should advise the client to look for foods that have less than 140 mg of sodium per serving and avoid foods that have salt, sodium, or monosodium glutamate (MSG) in the ingredient list.

Choice A: Contraction of the facial muscle is correct because it indicates a positive Chvostek's sign, which is a sign of hypocalcemia, or low calcium level in the blood. Chvostek's sign is elicited by tapping the facial nerve in front of the ear and observing for twitching of the facial muscles on the same side.

Choice B: Asked when the foot numbness would go away is incorrect because it is not a specific sign of hypocalcemia, although it can indicate peripheral neuropathy, which can be caused by various conditions such as diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, or alcohol abuse.

Choice C: Carpal spasm with blood pressure measurement is correct because it indicates a positive Trousseau's sign, which is another sign of hypocalcemia. Trousseau's sign is elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the upper arm and observing for flexion of the wrist and fingers.

Choice D: Complaints of fingers tingling is correct because it indicates paresthesia, which is a sensation of numbness, tingling, or prickling in the extremities. Paresthesia can be caused by hypocalcemia, as low calcium level can affect the nerve conduction and excitability.

Choice E: Heart rate 88 and regular is incorrect because it is within the normal range of heart rate, which is 60 to 100 beats per minute. Heart rate can be affected by hypocalcemia, but usually in the opposite direction, causing bradycardia, or slow heart rate, or cardiac arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats.