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: Pain is a common postoperative symptom and should be managed appropriately. However, it is not typically considered a priority over other complications that can have more immediate and severe consequences.
Choice B reason: Hemorrhage is a significant risk after TURP and can be life-threatening. It is considered a priority because active bleeding can lead to shock and requires immediate intervention.
Choice C reason: Infection is a potential complication after any surgery, including TURP. While important to monitor for, it is generally not as immediately life-threatening as hemorrhage.
Choice D reason: Urinary retention can occur after TURP, but it is often anticipated and managed with the placement of a urinary catheter. It is a concern but not the highest priority immediately following surgery.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: While excessive alcohol consumption is a well known cause of liver cirrhosis, it is not typically associated with biliary cirrhosis1.
Choice B reason: Hepatotoxic medications can lead to liver damage, but they are not the primary cause of biliary cirrhosis1.
Choice C reason: Obstruction of the bile duct is a direct cause of biliary cirrhosis, as it can lead to bile accumulation and liver damage1.
Choice D reason: Hepatitis C can cause liver cirrhosis, but it is not a direct cause of biliary cirrhosis1
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