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 C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
There's no requirement to lie down for an hour after administering nasal cyanocobalamin.
Choice B Reason:
The duration of treatment might vary depending on the healthcare provider's instructions and the client's response, so stating a specific duration of 6 months may not be accurate.
Choice C Reason:
"Administer the medication into one nostril once per week. “Nasal cyanocobalamin is typically used weekly for the treatment of pernicious anemia. It's administered into one nostril as directed by a healthcare provider. This method allows for the absorption of vitamin B12 through the nasal mucosa.
Choice D Reason:
Using a nasal decongestant before administering the medication is not typically part of the recommended administration protocol for nasal cyanocobalamin.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Furosemide is not correct. Furosemide is a diuretic used to treat conditions like heart failure and edema by increasing urine output. It is not a contraindication for sildenafil. However, it's essential to monitor blood pressure when these medications are used together, as both can potentially lower blood pressure.
Choice B Reason:
Albuterol is not correct. Albuterol is a bronchodilator commonly used to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions. It doesn't have direct contraindications with sildenafil for erectile dysfunction. Although both medications can cause some cardiovascular effects, they are not typically considered contraindications for each other.
Choice C Reason:
Indomethacin is not correct. Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce inflammation and pain. While it can have effects on blood pressure and the cardiovascular system, it is not a direct contraindication for sildenafil specifically for erectile dysfunction.
Choice D Reason:
Nitroglycerin is correct. Nitroglycerin is a contraindication for sildenafil. Both medications can cause a significant drop in blood pressure. When taken together, they can potentiate each other's effects, leading to a severe decrease in blood pressure, which can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Therefore, individuals using nitroglycerin or any nitrate medications should not take sildenafil or other medications for erectile dysfunction due to the risk of hypotension (dangerously low blood pressure).

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