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?
Serum osmolarity 310 mOsm/L
Serum hematocrit 55%
Urine specific gravity 1.020
BUN 28 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Serum osmolarity 310 mOsm/L is incorrect. Serum osmolarity measures the concentration of particles in the blood. While an elevated serum osmolarity might indicate dehydration, it's not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of treatment. It signifies the concentration of solutes in the blood rather than reflecting hydration improvement after treatment.
Choice B Reason:
Serum hematocrit 55%m is incorrect. Elevated hematocrit levels can occur in dehydration because of hemoconcentration (an increase in the concentration of red blood cells due to reduced fluid volume). However, similar to serum osmolarity, while it can indicate dehydration, it doesn't specifically reflect the effectiveness of treatment.
To determine effective treatment of dehydration, the nurse should consider the laboratory values that reflect hydration status:
Choice C Reason:
Urine specific gravity 1.020 is correct. Urine specific gravity measures the concentration of solutes in the urine, indicating the kidneys' ability to concentrate urine. A higher specific gravity (typically above 1.020) suggests more concentrated urine, which can indicate dehydration. As hydration improves, the urine becomes less concentrated, so a decrease in urine specific gravity toward the normal range (around 1.010-1.020) indicates effective rehydration and improved kidney function in retaining fluids.
Choice D Reason:
BUN 28 mg/dL is incorrect. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels can also rise in dehydration due to reduced kidney perfusion. However, like serum osmolarity and hematocrit, while it can indicate dehydration, it doesn't directly show the effectiveness of treatment or the improvement in hydration status after treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"You should monitor for hearing difficulties." is correct. Loop diuretics like bumetanide can occasionally cause ototoxicity, resulting in hearing difficulties or ringing in the ears (tinnitus) as a potential adverse effect. It's important for clients taking these medications to be aware of such symptoms and report them promptly to their healthcare provider.
Choice B Reason:
"You should take the medication at bedtime." Is incorrect. Bumetanide is commonly prescribed to be taken in the morning to avoid nighttime diuresis and potential sleep disruption due to increased urination.
Choice C Reason:
"You should decrease your intake of foods high in potassium." Is incorrect. Loop diuretics often lead to potassium loss, so clients may actually need to increase their intake of potassium-rich foods or take potassium supplements under healthcare provider guidance to maintain normal potassium levels.
Choice D Reason:
"You should take this medication on an empty stomach." Is incorrect. Bumetanide can be taken with or without food, so it's not necessary to take it on an empty stomach.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Decrease the dose of the medication is incorrect. Lowering the dose could potentially drop the INR below the therapeutic range, increasing the risk of clot formation.
Choice B Reason:
Increase the dose of the medication is incorrect. Raising the dose might push the INR above the therapeutic range, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Choice C Reason:
Withhold the medication is incorrect. Withholding the medication might lead to inadequate anticoagulation and an increased risk of clot formation.
Choice D Reason:
Administer the current dose of the medication. An INR of 2.5 is within the therapeutic range for many indications, including atrial fibrillation. This means the blood is appropriately anticoagulated to prevent clot formation without an excessive risk of bleeding. In this scenario, maintaining the current dose of warfarin is often appropriate to sustain the desired therapeutic effect.
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