A nurse is reviewing the laboratory findings of a client who has heart failure. Which of the following findings indicates that the client is experiencing fluid volume excess?

Choice A reason: Serum creatinine 3.5 mg/dL is high and indicates the need for further assessment. Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism that is filtered by the kidneys. High creatinine levels can indicate kidney damage or impaired renal function.

Choice B reason: Hematocrit 45% is within the normal range (37-47% for women, 40-50% for men), and it does not indicate the need for further assessment. Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Low hematocrit levels can indicate anemia, bleeding, or hemolysis.

Choice C reason: Blood urea nitrogen 18 mg/dL is within the normal range (7-20), and it does not indicate the need for further assessment. Blood urea nitrogen is a waste product of protein metabolism that is filtered by the kidneys. High blood urea nitrogen levels can indicate dehydration, kidney damage, or high protein intake.

Choice D reason: Sodium 140 mEq/L is within the normal range (135-145), and it does not indicate the need for further assessment. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve impulses. Low or high sodium levels can cause confusion, seizures, or coma.

Choice A reason: Checking blood glucose level is an appropriate action for the nurse to take because it can help determine if the client has hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, which are both complications of diabetes mellitus that can cause dizziness and weakness. Blood glucose level should be checked using a glucometer and compared with the normal range of 70 to 130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL after meals.

Choice B reason: Giving insulin injection is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take without checking blood glucose level first because it may cause hypoglycemia, which is a condition in which blood glucose level drops below 70 mg/dL and can cause dizziness, weakness, confusion, sweating, and seizures. Insulin injection should be given according to the prescribed dose, type, and schedule.

Choice C reason: Offering orange juice is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take without checking blood glucose level first because it may cause hyperglycemia, which is a condition in which blood glucose level rises above 180 mg/dL and can cause dizziness, weakness, thirst, polyuria, and ketoacidosis. Orange juice should be offered only if the client has hypoglycemia and is conscious and able to swallow.

Choice D reason: Applying cold compress is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take because it does not address the underlying cause of dizziness and weakness in a client who has diabetes mellitus. Cold compress may worsen the symptoms by reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain. Cold compress should be applied only if the client has fever, inflammation, or pain.