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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Establishing short-term, realistic goals is important, but it should come after assessing the client's current knowledge. Goals should be tailored to the individual's needs and understanding.
Choice B reason: Assessing the client's current knowledge about managing diabetes is crucial as the first step. This allows the nurse to identify any gaps in understanding and to provide education that is specific to the client's needs.
Choice C reason: Providing access to a video about diabetes can be a useful educational tool, but it should not be the first action. The content of the video may not address the client's specific questions or misconceptions.
Choice D reason: Evaluating the effectiveness of the client's admission teaching plan is an ongoing process and should be done after initial education and interventions have been provided.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is associated with allergic reactions. A RAST test measures the level of allergen specific IgE antibodies in the blood. An elevation in IgE indicates sensitization to a particular allergen and a positive result for the allergy.
Choice B reason: Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is usually the first antibody produced by the immune system when it detects an infection. It is not typically associated with the detection of allergies.
Choice C reason: Immunoglobulin A (IgA) plays a critical role in mucosal immunity and is found in high concentrations in the mucous membranes, particularly those lining the respiratory passages and the gastrointestinal tract, but it is not used as an indicator in RAST testing for allergies.
Choice D reason: Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the most abundant type of antibody and is involved in the recognition and removal of pathogens. It is not specific to allergic response detection in RAST testing.
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