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: Sodium 165 mEq/L is incorrect. This value indicates hypernatremia, which is a high level of sodium in the blood. Hypernatremia can be caused by dehydration, but it does not indicate that the client is responding to treatment. A normal sodium level is between 135 and 145 mEq/L.

Choice B: Potassium 5.2 mEq/L is incorrect. This value indicates hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood. Hyperkalemia can be caused by dehydration, but it does not indicate that the client is responding to treatment. A normal potassium level is between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L.

Choice C: Urine specific gravity 1.020 is correct. This value indicates that the urine is concentrated, but within the normal range. Urine specific gravity measures the amount of solutes in the urine compared to water. A high urine specific gravity indicates dehydration, while a low urine specific gravity indicates overhydration. A normal urine specific gravity is between 1.005 and 1.030.

Choice D: Hct 62% is incorrect. This value indicates polycythemia, which is a high level of red blood cells in the blood. Polycythemia can be caused by dehydration, but it does not indicate that the client is responding to treatment. A normal hematocrit (Hct) level is between 37% and 52% for men and between 32% and 47% for women.

• Choice A Reason: This is correct because the client who has gastroenteritis and is febrile is likely to lose fluid through vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating. These losses can lead to dehydration, hypotension, and electrolyte imbalances. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, fluid intake and output, and weight, and administer fluids and electrolytes as ordered.
• Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because the client who has leftsided heart failure and has a BNP level of 600 pg/ml is likely to have fluid volume excess, not deficit. BNP is a hormone that is released by the heart when it is stretched by increased blood volume. A high BNP level indicates that the heart is failing to pump effectively and that fluid is accumulating in the lungs and other tissues. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory status, oxygen saturation, edema, and weight, and administer diuretics and other medications as ordered.
• Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because the client who has endstage renal failure and is scheduled for dialysis today is likely to have fluid volume excess, not deficit. Renal failure impairs the kidney's ability to excrete fluid and waste products, leading to fluid retention and azotemia. Dialysis is a procedure that removes excess fluid and toxins from the blood using an artificial membrane. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure, fluid intake and output, weight, and laboratory values, and prepare the client for dialysis as ordered.
• Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because the client who has been NPO since midnight for endoscopy is unlikely to have a significant fluid volume deficit, unless they have other risk factors or comorbidities. NPO means nothing by mouth, which is a common instruction before certain procedures or surgeries to prevent aspiration. Endoscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the digestive tract. The nurse should verify the client's NPO status, check their consent form, and administer preoperative medications as ordered.