Share This Link

Hematocrit 45% (37% to 52%): This value is within the normal range for hematocrit. Dehydration may increase the hematocrit due to a relative increase in red blood cell concentration, but 45% is still within normal limits.

Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL (0.5-1.2 mg/dL): This value is within the normal range for creatinine, indicating normal kidney function.

Urine specific gravity 1.028 (1.005 to 1.030): This value is within the normal range and indicates that the kidneys are concentrating urine, which is typical in dehydration as the body tries to conserve water.

Urine output 20 mL/hr: A urine output of 20 mL/hr is on the low side but can still be expected in dehydration, as the body attempts to conserve water. Normal urine output is 30 mL/hr or more, so this could still be a sign of dehydration.

Sodium 142 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L): This sodium level is within the normal range. Dehydration may cause sodium to be elevated if water loss is more significant than sodium loss, but a normal value does not indicate dehydration.

Bradycardia: Dehydration usually causes tachycardia as a compensatory mechanism to maintain blood pressure and perfusion, not bradycardia.

Lactulose: Lactulose is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy by reducing ammonia levels, not for hyperkalemia.

Acetylcysteine: Acetylcysteine is used for acetaminophen overdose or as a mucolytic agent, not for hyperkalemia.

Triamterene: Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic and would worsen hyperkalemia, not treat it.

Potassium chloride: Potassium chloride is used to treat hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia.

Acetylcysteine: This medication is not used to treat potassium imbalances. It is primarily used to treat acetaminophen overdose or to thin mucus in respiratory conditions.

Potassium iodide: Potassium iodide is used in thyroid conditions (such as thyroid storm) or radiation exposure and is not used to manage potassium levels.

Elevated blood pressure: Hypocalcemia is more likely to cause low blood pressure due to its effect on vascular tone and cardiac contractility, not elevated blood pressure.

Negative Chvostek sign: A negative Chvostek sign would be expected in clients with normal calcium levels. A positive Chvostek sign (twitching of the facial muscles when tapped) is a sign of hypocalcemia.

Constipation: Hypocalcemia does not typically cause constipation. In fact, hypercalcemia can lead to constipation.

Sodium level 140 mEq/L (136-145 mEq/L): This sodium level is within the normal range and is not of concern.

Calcium level 10 mg/dL (9-10.5 mg/dL): This calcium level is within the normal range and is not concerning.

Potassium level 3.5 mEq/L (3.5-5 mEq/L): This potassium level is at the low end of normal. While it is something to monitor, it is not immediately concerning compared to hypomagnesemia.

BP 178/90 mm Hg: High blood pressure can be seen in various conditions, including stress or pain. Dehydration typically leads to low blood pressure, not high, making this less likely to be an indicator of dehydration.

Red mucous membranes: Red mucous membranes can indicate a variety of conditions, including infection or inflammation, but it is not a classic sign of dehydration.

Jugular vein distention: Jugular vein distention is more indicative of fluid overload or increased central venous pressure, not dehydration.

Turn off the IV solution and gently flush the line with 3 mL of saline flush solution: This may be necessary later if the occlusion is not resolved by troubleshooting, but the first action should be to check the tubing and clamp for any obstructions.

Decrease the rate to 10 mL/hr and flush the line with 1 mL of heparin solution: This is not appropriate as an initial action. Heparin flushes are generally used for maintaining patency in central lines and are not indicated for occlusions caused by tubing issues.

Notify the physician: While important if the issue persists, this is not the first action. The nurse should attempt to resolve the problem independently first.