A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of IV fluid therapy for a client who has dehydration. Which of the following findings indicates improvement?
Decreased urine specific gravity.
Increased hematocrit level.
Decreased skin turgor.
Increased serum osmolarity.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Decreased urine specific gravity indicates improvement in hydration status. Urine specific gravity is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the urine. It reflects the ability of the kidney to concentrate or dilute urine. A high urine specific gravity (>1.030) indicates concentrated urine, which can be caused by dehydration, reduced renal blood flow, or increased fluid loss. A low urine specific gravity (<1.010) indicates diluted urine, which can be caused by overhydration, diuretic use, or impaired renal function. A normal urine specific gravity ranges from 1.010 to 1.030.
Choice B reason:
Increased hematocrit level indicates worsening of dehydration. Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume. It is affected by the plasma volume and the number of red blood cells. A high hematocrit (>47% for males and >42% for females) indicates hemoconcentration, which can be caused by dehydration, polycythemia, or hypoxia. A low hematocrit (<37% for males and <32% for females) indicates hemodilution, which can be caused by overhydration, anemia, or hemorrhage. A normal hematocrit ranges from 37% to 47% for males and 32% to 42% for females.
Choice C reason:
Decreased skin turgor indicates persistent dehydration. Skin turgor is the elasticity of the skin that reflects its hydration status. It is assessed by pinching a fold of skin on the chest, abdomen, or forearm and releasing it. Normally, the skin should return to its original position in less than 3 seconds. If the skin remains elevated or takes longer to return, it indicates poor skin turgor, which can be caused by dehydration, aging, or edema.
Choice D reason:
Increased serum osmolarity indicates worsening of dehydration. Serum osmolarity is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the blood plasma. It reflects the balance between water and electrolytes in the body fluids. A high serum osmolarity (>300 mOsm/kg) indicates hyperosmolarity, which can be caused by dehydration, hypernatremia, hyperglycemia, or mannitol infusion. A low serum osmolarity (<280 mOsm/kg) indicates hypoosmolarity, which can be caused by overhydration, hyponatremia, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), or diuretic use. A normal serum osmolarity ranges from 280 to 300 mOsm/kg.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Cheese is a good source of calcium, which is essential for bone health and muscle contraction. Calcium also helps regulate the heart rhythm and blood clotting. Cheese can provide about 200 mg of calcium per ounce.
Choice B reason:
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that contains goitrogens, which are substances that can interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis and cause or worsen hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can lead to low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is responsible for maintaining calcium balance in the body. Therefore, broccoli should be avoided or limited by clients who have hypocalcemia due to hypoparathyroidism.
Choice C reason:
Almonds are rich in magnesium, which is a mineral that helps regulate calcium absorption and metabolism. Magnesium also plays a role in nerve and muscle function, blood pressure, and blood sugar control. Almonds can provide about 80 mg of magnesium per ounce.
Choice D reason:
Bananas are high in potassium, which is a mineral that can affect the balance of calcium in the body. High levels of potassium can cause hyperkalemia, which can lower the serum calcium level by increasing the renal excretion of calcium and decreasing the release of PTH. Therefore, bananas should be avoided or limited by clients who have hypocalcemia due to hypoparathyroidism.
Choice E reason:
Sardines are a type of oily fish that contain vitamin D, which is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps increase the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D also works with PTH to regulate the bone resorption and formation of calcium. Sardines can provide about 250 IU of vitamin D per 3 ounces.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
pH 7.50, PaCO2 40 mm Hg, HCO3- 30 mEq/L. This choice is correct because it shows a high pH, a normal PaCO2, and a high HCO3-, which are consistent with metabolic alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis occurs when there is a loss of acid or a gain of base in the body fluids, such as from prolonged nasogastric suctioning. The kidneys try to compensate by excreting more bicarbonate, but this process is slow and incomplete.
Choice B reason:
pH 7.35, PaCO2 35 mm Hg, HCO3- 24 mEq/L. This choice is incorrect because it shows normal values for pH, PaCO2, and HCO3-, which indicate no acid-base imbalance. A client with metabolic alkalosis would have an elevated pH and bicarbonate level.
Choice C reason:
pH 7.25, PaCO2 50 mm Hg, HCO3- 26 mEq/L. This choice is incorrect because it shows a low pH, a high PaCO2, and a normal HCO3-, which are consistent with respiratory acidosis. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is impaired gas exchange or hypoventilation, leading to an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood. The kidneys try to compensate by retaining more bicarbonate, but this process is slow and incomplete.
Choice D reason:
pH 7.30, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, HCO3- 18 mEq/L. This choice is incorrect because it shows a low pH, a low PaCO2, and a low HCO3-, which are consistent with metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is a gain of acid or a loss of base in the body fluids, such as from diabetic ketoacidosis or diarrhea. The lungs try to compensate by increasing the rate and depth of breathing to expel more carbon dioxide, but this process is fast and limited.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
