In assessing a client at 34 weeks gestation, the nurse notes that she has a slightly elevated total T4 with a slightly enlarged thyroid, a hematocrit of 28% (0.28 volume fraction), a heart rate of 92 beats per minute, and a systolic murmur. Which finding requires follow-up?

Reference Range:

Hematocrit [37% to 47% (0.37 to 0.47 volume fraction)]

Hematocrit of 28% (0.28 volume fraction).

Heart rate of 92 beats per minute.

Systolic murmur.

Elevated thyroid hormone level.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A)   Correct- Hematocrit values below the reference range during pregnancy could indicate anemia, which requires further evaluation and intervention. The other findings can be attributed to normal physiological changes during pregnancy (elevated total T4, heart rate increase) or can be common findings (systolic murmur).
B)   Incorrect - A heart rate of 92 beats per minute is within the normal range for pregnancy due to increased blood volume and hormonal changes.
C)   Incorrect - A systolic murmur can be a common finding during pregnancy due to increased cardiac output.
D)   Incorrect - An elevated total T4 can be a normal finding during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.

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Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E","H"]

Explanation

Capillary refill: This is a quick and simple way to assess the adequacy of peripheral perfusion and can help identify signs of dehydration.
Skin turgor: Assessing the skin turgor, or the elasticity of the skin, is another useful indicator of dehydration.
Heart rate: Tachycardia can be a sign of dehydration, so monitoring the heart rate is an important component of the assessment.
Blood pressure: Blood pressure can be affected by dehydration, so monitoring it is important in determining the severity of dehydration and in guiding appropriate interventions.
Temperature: Fever is a potential cause of dehydration, so monitoring the temperature is an important part of the assessment.
Skin color of hands and feet: Checking the color of the skin on the hands and feet can help identify signs of poor perfusion and dehydration.

Assessing the level of consciousness, pupil size and reactiveness, and respiratory rate are important aspects of the neurological and respiratory assessments but are not specific to the assessment of dehydration.

A. White blood cell count. B. Capillary glucose. C. Urine specific gravity. D. Serum sodium.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Incorrect- This test is used to assess for infection or inflammation and is not specifically related to monitoring diabetes insipidus.
B) Incorrect- This test is used to monitor blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes mellitus, not diabetes insipidus.
C) Incorrect- While urine specific gravity can provide information about urine concentration, it is not the most important laboratory test to monitor in a client with diabetes insipidus. Serum sodium level is a more critical indicator of electrolyte balance and potential complications in DI.
D) Correct- Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a condition characterized by excessive thirst and urination due to the body's inability to regulate fluid balance. In DI, the body either lacks antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys, or the kidneys are resistant to its effects. As a result, clients with DI can produce large volumes of dilute urine. The most significant concern in DI is the potential for electrolyte imbalances, particularly low serum sodium levels (hyponatremia). Excessive loss of water in the urine can lead to dehydration and concentration of the blood's sodium levels. This can result in neurological symptoms, such as confusion, seizures, and even coma. Monitoring the serum sodium level is crucial to ensure that it remains within a safe range.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Patient Data History and Physical Nurses' Notes Laboratory Results Flow Sheet Exhibits here Review H and P, nurse's note, laboratory result, and flow sheet. What information should the nurse collect as part of the focused assessment for dehydration in this child? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E","H"]

Explanation

A client with diabetes insipidus (DI) has an average urinary output of 500 ml. of dilute urine every hour for the last 4 hours. Which laboratory test is most important for the nurse to monitor?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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