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 C
Explanation
A. Discontinued medications do not provide actionable information for the receiving facility, as they are no longer relevant to the client's ongoing care. Including this information may lead to confusion about the current treatment plan.
B. Resolved health conditions are not a priority to communicate because they do not require further monitoring or intervention. Focus should be placed on active health concerns and ongoing care needs.
C. The frequency of vital sign collection is critical information for the receiving facility to maintain continuity of care and ensure appropriate monitoring of the client's condition. This detail helps guide the long-term care staff in managing the client’s ongoing health needs effectively.
D. Completed nursing interventions are not typically included in the transfer report as they have already been addressed and do not impact future care. The focus should remain on ongoing and future interventions required for the client.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Place the client's medication record on the bedside table while ambulating the client: This action does not relate to protecting the client's privacy. It might actually compromise confidentiality by leaving sensitive information exposed.
B. Give a report about the client's status while standing at the nurses' station: This action does not protect the client's privacy. Discussing sensitive information in a public area can lead to breaches of confidentiality.
C. Speak with the client about their condition after visitors have left: Correct. Protecting the client's privacy is essential, and discussing personal health information in private with the client respects their right to confidentiality.
D. Place a message board in the client's room to post dietary information: This action does not relate to protecting the client's privacy. Posting dietary information may be helpful for staff, but it doesn't address the client's privacy concerns.
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