A nurse is reviewing the medical records of a client who has heart failure. The nurse should identify which of the following laboratory results as an indication that the client has fluid volume excess.
Urine specific gravity 1.015
Hematocrit 42%
Urine pH 6.5
BUN 5 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is D
A. A urine specific gravity of 1.015 is within the normal range (1.005–1.030). While fluid volume excess may lead to a lower specific gravity due to urine dilution, this value does not indicate fluid overload and is considered normal.
B. A hematocrit level of 42% is within the normal range for adults (men: 38–50%, women: 35–45%). Hematocrit levels tend to decrease in fluid volume excess due to hemodilution, but this value does not suggest fluid overload.
C. A urine pH of 6.5 is within the normal range (4.5–8.0). Urine pH reflects the acid-base balance rather than fluid status and is not a reliable indicator of fluid volume excess.
D. A BUN level of 5 mg/dL is below the normal range (10–20 mg/dL). In fluid volume excess, the dilution of blood plasma can lead to decreased BUN levels. This low BUN value, in conjunction with clinical symptoms, supports the diagnosis of fluid volume excess.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A: While volunteering at a local food pantry can be a meaningful activity, it is not the priority when considering Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Physiological needs, such as nutrition and exercise, take precedence.
B: Correct. Attending an exercise program addresses the client's physiological needs (specifically the need for physical activity and health) and takes priority over other options in this context.
C: Finding an enjoyable hobby addresses the client's need for self-fulfillment and self-esteem, which comes at a higher level in Maslow's hierarchy. It is not the immediate priority during discharge planning.
D: Supporting environmental conservation aligns with self-actualization, which is a higher-level need in Maslow's hierarchy. It is not the priority during discharge planning.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Administer an analgesic 30 min before starting the procedure: Correct. Before performing wound irrigation, it is essential to provide pain relief to the client. Administering an analgesic 30 minutes before the procedure will help manage pain during wound irrigation.
B. Hold the syringe 5 cm (2 in) above the upper end of the wound: This action does not contribute to proper wound irrigation. The nurse should direct the irrigation solution to the wound site to cleanse it effectively.
C. Place the irrigation solution in a basin of cool water: Using cool water is not the best practice for wound irrigation. The irrigation solution should be at room temperature or a temperature specified by the healthcare provider.
D. Perform the wound irrigation with a 10mL syringe with an angiocatheter: Wound irrigation typically requires a larger volume of fluid to adequately cleanse the wound. A 10mL syringe may not be sufficient, and using an angiocatheter is not appropriate for wound irrigation. A larger syringe or irrigation solution bag with an appropriate wound irrigation tool is usually used.
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