A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has fluid volume deficit. The nurse would expect which of the following findings?
Sodium 155 mEq/L
Hematocrit 44%
Urine specific gravity 1.035
BUN 19 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: Sodium 155 mEq/L is correct because it indicates hypernatremia, or high sodium level, which can occur in fluid volume deficit due to dehydration, excessive sweating, or diuretic therapy. Sodium is an electrolyte that regulates fluid balance and osmotic pressure in the body. The normal range of sodium is 135 to 145 mEq/L.
Choice B: Hematocrit 44% is incorrect because it is within the normal range of hematocrit, which is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Hematocrit can reflect the oxygen-carrying capacity and viscosity of the blood. The normal range of hematocrit is 37% to 47% for females and 42% to 52% for males.
Choice C: Urine specific gravity 1.035 is correct because it indicates a high urine concentration, which can occur in fluid volume deficit due to decreased urine output and increased solute excretion. Urine specific gravity is a measure of the density of urine compared to water. The normal range of urine specific gravity is 1.005 to 1.030.
Choice D: BUN 19 mg/dL is incorrect because it is within the normal range of BUN, which stands for blood urea nitrogen, and is a measure of the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea, a waste product of protein metabolism. BUN can reflect the kidney function and hydration status of the client. The normal range of BUN is 7 to 20 mg/dL.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because 600 milliliters is a low volume of urine output for a 24-hour period, which indicates oliguria. Oliguria is defined as urine output less than 400 to 500 milliliters per day or less than 30 milliliters per hour. Oliguria can be a sign of dehydration, kidney injury, urinary obstruction, or shock. The nurse should notify the patient's healthcare provider and monitor the patient's fluid balance, vital signs, and laboratory values.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because 1200 milliliters is a normal volume of urine output for a 24-hour period, which indicates adequate renal function. The normal range of urine output for adults is 800 to 2000 milliliters per day or 30 to 80 milliliters per hour. The nurse should document the patient's urine output and continue to assess the patient's recovery status.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because 1800 milliliters is a normal volume of urine output for a 24-hour period, which indicates adequate renal function. The normal range of urine output for adults is 800 to 2000 milliliters per day or 30 to 80 milliliters per hour. The nurse should document the patient's urine output and continue to assess the patient's recovery status.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because 750 milliliters is a low-normal volume of urine output for a 24-hour period, which does not require immediate intervention. However, the nurse should be alert for any signs of decreased renal perfusion or function, such as hypotension, tachycardia, decreased urine specific gravity, or elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels. The nurse should encourage the patient to drink fluids as tolerated and report any changes in urine output or quality.
Choice E Reason: This is incorrect because 1000 milliliters is a normal volume of urine output for a 24-hour period, which indicates adequate renal function. The normal range of urine output for adults is 800 to 2000 milliliters per day or 30 to 80 milliliters per hour. The nurse should document the patient's urine output and continue to assess the patient's recovery status.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Sodium level is not a reliable measure of fluid retention because it can be affected by other factors such as diet, medication, and dehydration. Sodium level does not reflect the amount of water in the body.
Choice B: Daily weight is the most reliable measure of fluid retention because it reflects the changes in total body water. A weight gain of more than 0.5 kg (1 lb) in a day or 1.5 kg (3 lb) in a week indicates fluid retention.
Choice C: Intake and output is not a reliable measure of fluid retention because it does not account for insensible losses such as sweating, breathing, and fever. Intake and output can also be inaccurate due to measurement errors or incomplete records.
Choice D: Tissue turgor is not a reliable measure of fluid retention because it can be influenced by age, skin elasticity, and hydration status. Tissue turgor does not indicate the amount of fluid in the intravascular space.
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