A nurse is caring for a client with an opioid overdose. The nurse should identify the client is at risk for which acid-base imbalance?

Choice A Reason:

A 24-hour urinary output of 380 mL indicates oliguria. Oliguria is defined as a urine output of less than 400-500 mL per day in adults. This condition can be caused by various factors, including dehydration, kidney dysfunction, or postoperative complications. Monitoring urine output is crucial for assessing kidney function and overall fluid balance, especially after major surgeries like a colon resection.

Choice B Reason:

A 24-hour urinary output of 550 mL is slightly above the threshold for oliguria. While it is still relatively low, it does not meet the strict criteria for oliguria, which is typically defined as less than 400-500 mL per day. This output suggests that the client is producing an adequate amount of urine, though it may still warrant close monitoring to ensure it does not decrease further.

Choice C Reason:

A 24-hour urinary output of 600 mL is within the normal range and does not indicate oliguria. Normal urine output for adults is generally considered to be around 800-2000 mL per day, depending on fluid intake and other factors. This output suggests that the client’s kidneys are functioning properly and that there is no immediate concern for oliguria.

Choice D Reason:

A 24-hour urinary output of 720 mL is also within the normal range and does not indicate oliguria. This output is closer to the lower end of the normal range but still suggests adequate kidney function. It is important to continue monitoring the client’s urine output to ensure it remains within a healthy range, especially after surgery.

Choice A Reason:

When calculating the fluid balance for a client undergoing continuous bladder irrigation (CBI), the irrigation solution must be deducted from the total urine output. This is because the irrigation fluid is not part of the client’s actual urine production but is an additional fluid introduced into the bladder to prevent or remove blood clots and ensure catheter patency. By deducting the irrigation solution from the total urine output, the nurse can accurately determine the client’s true urine output and fluid balance.

Choice B Reason:

Subtracting the irrigation solution from the intravenous flow sheet as output is incorrect. The intravenous flow sheet is used to document fluids administered intravenously, not those introduced into the bladder. Therefore, this choice does not apply to the management of continuous bladder irrigation.

Choice C Reason:

Documenting the intake hourly in the urine output column is also incorrect. The urine output column should reflect the actual urine produced by the client, not the irrigation solution. Including the irrigation solution in this column would lead to an inaccurate representation of the client’s urine output and fluid balance.

Choice D Reason:

Adding the irrigation solution to the oral intake column is incorrect as well. The oral intake column is designated for fluids consumed orally by the client. The irrigation solution is introduced directly into the bladder and should not be recorded as oral intake.