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. 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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A: Incorrect. Ensuring a client can use crutches before discharge requires clinical judgment and skilled assessment, so it should not be delegated to assistive personnel.
B: Incorrect. Checking a client's ability to swallow following a stroke involves assessing the client's airway and potential risk of aspiration, which is a complex nursing task and should not be delegated to assistive personnel.
C: Incorrect. Obtaining a client's pain rating prior to physical therapy requires understanding the client's pain and its management, which should not be delegated to assistive personnel.
D: Correct. Assisting a client to get out of bed after a breathing treatment can be safely delegated to assistive personnel. It involves helping the client move, which is within the scope of their training.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
