What is the most accurate indicator of fluid loss or gain in acutely ill patients?
Daily weight.
Intake and output.
Serum osmolality.
Urine specific gravity.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. Daily weight.
According to MDCalc, daily weight is the most accurate indicator of fluid loss or gain in acutely ill patients, as it reflects changes in total body water.
A weight change of 1 kg corresponds to a fluid change of approximately 1 L.
Choice B is wrong because intake and output measurements can be inaccurate or incomplete, and do not account for insensible fluid losses.
Choice C is wrong because serum osmolality reflects the concentration of solutes in the blood, not the volume of fluid.
Choice D is wrong because urine specific gravity reflects the concentration of solutes in the urine, not the volume of fluid.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Trousseau’s sign is a test for hypocalcemia that involves inflating a blood pressure cuff on the arm and observing for carpal spasm. A positive sign indicates low calcium levels in the blood, which can cause neuromuscular irritability.
Choice B is wrong because hyperactive deep tendon reflexes are a sign of hypomagnesemia, which is a low level of magnesium in the blood.
Choice C is wrong because hyperactive bowel sounds are a sign of hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood.
Choice D is wrong because muscle twitching can be caused by many factors, such as anxiety, caffeine, or electrolyte imbalance, and is not specific to hypocalcemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because acute renal failure is a condition where the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. This can lead to fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, and metabolic acidosis. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the patient’s urine output and fluid balance to assess the severity of the renal impairment and prevent complications.
Choice A is wrong because administering a potassium-sparing diuretic would worsen the patient’s hyperkalemia, which is a common complication of acute renal failure.
Choice B is wrong because encouraging the patient to consume a high-sodium diet would increase the patient’s fluid retention and blood pressure, which can further damage the kidneys.
Choice D is wrong because administering intravenous antibiotics is not a priority intervention for acute renal failure unless there is a specific indication of infection.
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