A nurse reviewing the laboratory of a client who had a total thyroidectomy discovers that his calcium level is 7 mg/dL. Which of the following client findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should identify that an effective outcome of IV fluid replacement in a client with dehydration is an increase in urine output. Urine output of 200 mL in 4 hours indicates that the kidneys are responding to the IV fluid replacement, and the client is likely rehydrating. This suggests that the renal perfusion has improved, and the client's body is eliminating waste products properly.

Choice B rationale:

A heart rate of 104 beats per minute is not necessarily indicative of the effectiveness of IV fluid replacement. Heart rate may vary for various reasons, and it is not a specific parameter for assessing the response to hydration. Other factors, such as blood pressure, should be considered to evaluate cardiovascular status.

Choice C rationale:

Peripheral pulses of +1 are not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of IV fluid replacement. While improved hydration may lead to better peripheral perfusion, this assessment is somewhat subjective and may not accurately reflect the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

Choice D rationale:

A urine specific gravity of 1.04 is not indicative of the effectiveness of IV fluid replacement. A specific gravity of 1.004 is within the normal range (normal range: 1.005-1.030) and does not necessarily indicate hydration status. It is essential to focus on urine output and other objective parameters to assess the effectiveness of hydration therapy. .

Choice A rationale:

Gastrointestinal bloating is not a typical clinical manifestation of left-sided heart failure. Left-sided heart failure primarily affects the pulmonary circulation, leading to symptoms such as dyspnea and orthopnea, but not gastrointestinal symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

Jugular vein distention is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure. In left-sided heart failure, the congestion typically occurs in the pulmonary circulation, leading to respiratory symptoms, whereas jugular vein distention is a sign of elevated central venous pressure often seen in right-sided heart failure.

Choice C rationale:

Tachycardia is a common clinical manifestation of left-sided heart failure. As the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, it compensates by increasing the heart rate to maintain cardiac output.

Choice D rationale:

Orthopnea is a classic symptom of left-sided heart failure. Clients with left-sided heart failure often experience difficulty breathing when lying flat and find relief when sitting upright. This is due to the redistribution of blood in the lungs when changing positions.

Choice E rationale:

Dyspnea is another hallmark symptom of left-sided heart failure. It is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) due to the impaired ability of the left ventricle to effectively pump blood, leading to congestion in the pulmonary circulation.