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?
Creatinine 0.8 mg/dL
Hgb 15 g/dL
BUN 18 mg/dL
Sodium 149 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Creatinine 0.8 mg/dL is within the normal range (0.6-1.2), and it does not indicate fluid volume excess. 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: Hgb 15 g/dL is within the normal range (13-17 for men, 12-16 for women), and it does not indicate fluid volume excess. Hgb stands for hemoglobin, which is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues. Low hemoglobin levels can indicate anemia, bleeding, or hemolysis.
Choice C reason: BUN 18 mg/dL is within the normal range (7-20), and it does not indicate fluid volume excess. BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen, which is a waste product of protein metabolism that is filtered by the kidneys. High BUN levels can indicate dehydration, kidney damage, or high protein intake.
Choice D reason: Sodium 149 mEq/L is high and indicates fluid volume excess. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve impulses. High sodium levels can cause fluid retention, edema, hypertension, and heart failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Alternating the first breast that is offered to the baby with each feeding can help ensure equal stimulation and drainage of both breasts, and prevent engorgement, mastitis, or milk supply problems.
Choice B reason: Storing breastmilk in the refrigerator up to 48 hours is not recommended, as it can reduce the quality and quantity of antibodies and nutrients in the milk. The optimal storage time for breastmilk in the refrigerator is up to 24 hours.
Choice C reason: Nursing the baby once every 4 hours is not sufficient, as it can lead to insufficient milk intake, dehydration, weight loss, or jaundice in the baby. The baby should be nursed on demand, or at least every 2 to 3 hours during the day and every 4 hours at night.
Choice D reason: Offering the baby water between feedings is not necessary, as it can interfere with breastfeeding and cause water intoxication or electrolyte imbalance in the baby. Breastmilk provides enough hydration and nutrition for the baby.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Using an electronic device is not a reliable method for measuring blood pressure because it may give inaccurate readings due to movement, noise, or battery issues. An electronic device should be calibrated regularly and compared with a manual device.
Choice B reason: Inflating the cuff to 140/90 mmHg is not a correct procedure for measuring blood pressure because it may cause discomfort and false readings. The cuff should be inflated to about 20 to 30 mmHg above the expected systolic pressure or until the pulse disappears.
Choice C reason: Placing the cuff on the upper arm is a correct procedure for measuring blood pressure because it ensures that the cuff is at the same level as the heart and that the brachial artery is compressed. The cuff should be snug and fit around 80% of the arm circumference.
Choice D reason: Measuring blood pressure after exercise is not a good time for measuring blood pressure because it may reflect a temporary increase due to physical activity. Blood pressure should be measured after resting for at least 5 minutes in a quiet and comfortable environment.

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