A nurse is caring for four hospitalized patients.
Which of the following patients should the nurse identify as being at risk for fluid volume deficit?
The patient who has left-sided heart failure and has a brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level of 600 pg/mL.
The patient who has been NPO since midnight for endoscopy.
The patient who has gastroenteritis and is febrile.
The patient who has end-stage renal failure and is scheduled for dialysis today.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
While heart failure can lead to fluid volume imbalances, a BNP level of 600 pg/mL alone does not indicate a risk for fluid volume deficit.
Choice B rationale
Being NPO since midnight for an endoscopy could potentially lead to fluid volume deficit, but it’s not the most likely choice. Typically, patients are adequately hydrated before and after the procedure.
Choice C rationale
A patient with gastroenteritis and a fever is at high risk for fluid volume deficit. Gastroenteritis can cause significant fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea, and fever increases insensible water loss.
Choice D rationale
While patients with end-stage renal failure can have fluid volume imbalances, they are more likely to experience fluid volume excess, especially if they are due for dialysis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Patients with a nasogastric (NG) tube to suction are at risk for hypokalemia. Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, can occur due to increased losses from the gastrointestinal tract, which can occur with NG tube suction. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a vital role in many bodily functions, particularly in the heart and cardiovascular system. Therefore, any condition or intervention that leads to a significant loss of potassium, such as NG tube suction, can potentially lead to hypokalemia.
Choice B rationale
A tracheostomy tube attached to humidified oxygen is primarily used to help a patient breathe. It does not typically contribute to potassium loss or imbalance. Therefore, it is not likely to increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Choice C rationale
An indwelling urinary catheter to gravity drainage is used to drain urine from the bladder. While the kidneys do play a role in maintaining potassium balance, the use of a urinary catheter itself does not typically lead to significant potassium loss or increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Choice D rationale
A chest tube to water seal is used to remove air, fluid, or pus from the pleural space to help the lungs expand properly. It does not typically contribute to potassium loss or imbalance.
Therefore, it is not likely to increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While an elevated serum ammonia level can indicate liver dysfunction, it is not typically a contraindication for liver biopsy. Ammonia is a byproduct of protein metabolism and is normally converted into urea by the liver, which is then excreted in the urine. Elevated levels can occur in liver disease, but they are not typically a direct concern in the context of a liver biopsy.
Choice B rationale
A hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL is slightly low, but it is not typically a contraindication for a liver biopsy. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. While a low hemoglobin level can indicate anemia, it would not typically prevent a patient from undergoing a liver biopsy.
Choice C rationale
A white blood cell count of 14.2 x 103/uL is slightly elevated, indicating a possible infection or inflammation. However, this would not typically be a contraindication for a liver biopsy.
Choice D rationale
A prothrombin time of 32 seconds is significantly prolonged, indicating a potential problem with blood clotting. This would be a major concern for a nurse caring for a patient scheduled for a liver biopsy, as the procedure involves inserting a needle into the liver and could lead to bleeding. Patients with a prolonged prothrombin time are at an increased risk of bleeding complications.
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