A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving IV fluids to correct dehydration. Which of the following laboratory values should indicate to the nurse that the patient is effectively responding to treatment?
Urine specific gravity of 1.020
Serum sodium of 165 mEq/L
Hematocrit of 48%
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 12 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Urine specific gravity measures the kidney's ability to concentrate urine. A normal range is typically 1.005–1.030. A value of 1.020 indicates adequate hydration and suggests that the patient is responding well to IV fluid therapy.
Choice B reason: Serum sodium levels reflect electrolyte balance. The normal range is 135–145 mEq/L. A level of 165 mEq/L is significantly elevated, indicating hypernatremia, which could be a sign of inadequate hydration and not a positive response to treatment.
Choice C reason: Hematocrit represents the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. Normal ranges are 38.3–48.6% for men and 35.5–44.9% for women. A hematocrit of 48% is at the upper limit of normal and does not specifically indicate the effectiveness of dehydration treatment.
Choice D reason: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels can indicate renal function and hydration status. The normal range is 7–20 mg/dL. A BUN of 12 mg/dL is within the normal range and does not specifically reflect the patient's response to IV fluids for dehydration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Physical therapy may be prescribed postoperatively to aid in recovery, but it does not directly interfere with the function of a pacemaker.
Choice B reason: Checking serum cardiac enzyme levels is a common practice after heart surgery to assess for any damage to the heart muscle, which would not typically require clarification in the context of pacemaker insertion.
Choice C reason: An MRI of the chest should be clarified with the healthcare provider because MRI can interfere with pacemaker function. Patients with pacemakers are generally advised to avoid MRI unless the pacemaker is Incompatible, due to the risk of the magnetic field affecting the device's operation.
Choice D reason: A low sodium diet may be recommended for patients with heart conditions to manage blood pressure and fluid retention, but it is not directly related to the care of a pacemaker.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Assessing the cranial nerves is important, but it is not the immediate next step after implementing droplet precautions for suspected bacterial meningitis.
Choice B reason: Decreasing environmental stimuli can help reduce the risk of seizures and is a supportive measure for a patient with suspected bacterial meningitis.
Choice C reason: Closing the room is part of implementing droplet precautions but is not an action that needs to be initiated by the nurse as it should already be in place.
Choice D reason: Administering an antipyretic may be necessary if the patient has a fever, but it is not the immediate next action after droplet precautions.
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