The nurse assesses a client admitted with a history of vomiting and diarrhea for 5 days. Which laboratory value validates the symptoms of the client?

A. Hypovolemic shock: Hypovolemic shock is characterized by decreased blood volume, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery. The clinical findings described, such as sudden weight gain, bounding pulses, and elevated blood pressure, are not consistent with hypovolemic shock, which typically presents with hypotension, weak pulses, and signs of poor tissue perfusion.

B. Hemodilution: Hemodilution refers to a decrease in the concentration of blood components due to an increase in plasma volume. While weight gain may result from hemodilution, other clinical findings described, such as bounding pulses and elevated blood pressure, are not indicative of hemodilution.

C. Excess fluid volume: This is the correct answer. The sudden weight gain, bounding pulses, and elevated blood pressure suggest an excess of fluid volume. Bounding pulses can occur due to increased stroke volume from the heart pumping against increased volume, while elevated blood pressure can result from the increased fluid volume increasing cardiac output. Sudden weight gain is often attributed to fluid retention.

D. Deficient fluid volume: Deficient fluid volume, also known as dehydration, is characterized by insufficient fluid in the body. The clinical findings described, such as sudden weight gain and elevated blood pressure, are not consistent with deficient fluid volume. In dehydration, blood pressure tends to decrease rather than increase.

A. Reading back the calcium level result to the lab technician: Reading back results to the lab technician is a good practice to ensure accurate communication. The nurse verifies that they have received the correct information and confirms the accuracy of the result.

B. Document the time the call was received & the lab technician's name and date of birth. This was not selected because while documenting the time of the call and the lab technician's information may be useful for record-keeping purposes, it is not directly related to the immediate management of the client's low calcium level. Therefore, it is not essential to the immediate actions required in response to the lab result.

C. Reporting the elevated calcium level to the client's physician: An abnormally low calcium level (hypocalcemia) of 6.3 mg/dL requires prompt notification to the client's physician for further evaluation and intervention.

D. Confirming the client's full name, date of birth, & medical record number with the lab technician: Verifying the client's identity and medical record number ensures that the lab results are correctly matched to the right patient, minimizing the risk of errors in patient care.

E. Documenting the low calcium level in the client's electronic medical record: Documenting the calcium level in the client's electronic medical record ensures that the result is recorded for future reference and continuity of care. Accurate documentation is essential for tracking the client's health status and treatment outcomes.