A nurse is teaching a class about administering IV fluids to treat dehydration. The nurse should include in the teaching that which of the following laboratory values indicates effective treatment of dehydration?
Urine specific gravity 1.020
BUN 28 mg/dl
Serum hematocrit 55%
Serum osmolarity 310 mOsm
The Correct Answer is D
A. Urine specific gravity 1.020: While this value indicates concentrated urine and can be useful in assessing dehydration, it doesn’t specifically confirm effective treatment. High urine specific gravity suggests dehydration because the kidneys are conserving water, but it doesn’t directly confirm the effectiveness of treatment.
B. BUN 28 mg/dl (Blood Urea Nitrogen): Elevated BUN levels can be seen in dehydration, but it's not a direct marker of effective treatment. It indicates dehydration due to increased urea concentration in the blood but doesn’t confirm if the treatment has been effective or not.
C. Serum hematocrit 55%: In dehydration, the blood becomes more concentrated due to water loss, causing an increase in hematocrit levels. However, while this value might indicate dehydration initially, it may not specifically confirm the effectiveness of treatment once initiated.
D. Serum osmolarity 310 mOsm: Serum osmolarity measures the concentration of particles in the blood. In dehydration, the blood becomes more concentrated, leading to increased serum osmolarity. When treatment is effective, rehydration occurs, diluting the blood and bringing serum osmolarity back toward normal levels. Therefore, a decrease in serum osmolarity towards the normal range (280-300 mOsm) would indicate effective treatment of dehydration
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Acetaminophen: This is a common pain reliever and fever reducer. Acetaminophen is often used alongside other medications, including opioids like morphine, to manage pain more effectively. It's typically safe to use with morphine and is not an immediate concern for clarification.
B. Insulin glargine: Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin used to control blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. While it's important to monitor blood sugar levels in patients receiving opioids, especially if they have diabetes, insulin glargine itself doesn't directly interact with morphine or the PCA pump.
C. Ondansetron: Ondansetron is an anti-nausea medication commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting, particularly associated with chemotherapy or surgery. Patients receiving morphine, especially those with cancer, may also be prone to nausea. Ondansetron helps manage this side effect and does not typically interact adversely with morphine.
D. Naloxone: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdose, including respiratory depression, caused by drugs like morphine. It's administered in emergency situations to counteract the potentially life-threatening effects of opioids. While naloxone is critical for opioid safety, its presence on the medication list requires clear understanding and specific instructions regarding its use, dosage, and administration protocols in case of opioid-related emergencies.
Correct Answer is ["A","C"]
Explanation
A. Absence of deep-tendon reflexes:
Absence of deep-tendon reflexes is a sign of magnesium toxicity. Magnesium sulfate, when infused in high doses, can lead to neuromuscular blockade and affect reflexes. Discontinuing the infusion and administering calcium gluconate can counteract the effects of magnesium.
B. Urine output 80 mL in 4 hours:
Urine output is not a direct indicator of magnesium toxicity. Monitoring urine output is important for assessing renal function, but it is not a specific sign of magnesium toxicity.
C. Decreased level of consciousness:
Decreased level of consciousness is another sign of magnesium toxicity. Central nervous system depression is a potential adverse effect of elevated magnesium levels. Administering calcium gluconate can help antagonize the effects of magnesium.
D. Report of chills:
Chills are not typically associated with magnesium toxicity. This symptom may indicate other issues, such as infection or discomfort.
E. Systolic blood pressure 130 mm/Hg:
Systolic blood pressure within a normal range is not a sign of magnesium toxicity. Blood pressure changes are not typically the primary indicators of magnesium toxicity.
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