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: This choice is incorrect. Painless, raised purple nodules on the hard palate are not typically indicative of squamous cell carcinoma.
Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect. A small macule with a yellow-brown scale does not describe squamous cell carcinoma, which often presents as a firm nodule with a scaly crust.
Choice C reason: This is the correct choice. Squamous cell carcinoma can present as a firm nodule with a hard, scaly crust on the skin.
Choice D reason: Yellow white patches of growth on the tongue are more indicative of conditions such as oral leukoplakia, not squamous cell carcinoma.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Tingling in the arms can occur due to nerve compression caused by the herniated disc. This is a common symptom known as radicular pain, which can radiate from the neck down to the arms and hands.
Choice B reason: Shoulder pain is another expected finding, as the nerves affected by a cervical herniated disc can cause pain to radiate into the shoulders.
Choice C reason: Muscle spasms may be a reflexive response to the pain and inflammation caused by the herniated disc, as the body attempts to stabilize the affected area.
Choice D reason: A stiff neck can result from the muscle tension and reduced range of motion due to the pain and inflammation associated with a herniated cervical disc.
Choice E reason: Low back pain is not typically associated with a herniated cervical disc, as cervical discs are located in the neck region. Low back pain would be more indicative of a lumbar spine issue.
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