A client who is receiving normal saline IV at 75 mL/hour has dry, sticky mucous membranes, and inelastic skin turgor. Which action should the nurse implement?
Continue the normal saline IV at 75 mL/hour and encourage increased oral fluid intake.
Slow the normal saline to a keep open rate while contacting the healthcare provider.
Review the client's medications to see if the client can be given a PRN diuretic.
Instruct the client to withhold oral fluids and report the symptoms to the provider.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Continuing the normal saline IV at 75 mL/hour and encouraging increased oral fluid intake is the appropriate action. The client is showing signs of dehydration, such as dry mucous membranes and inelastic skin turgor, indicating a need for more fluids. Ensuring proper hydration through both IV and oral routes is essential.
Choice B reason: Slowing the normal saline to a keep open rate while contacting the healthcare provider is not appropriate in this situation. The client needs more fluids, not less. Reducing the IV rate could exacerbate dehydration.
Choice C reason: Reviewing the client's medications to see if the client can be given a PRN diuretic is not suitable for a client showing signs of dehydration. Diuretics would further decrease fluid volume and worsen the symptoms.
Choice D reason: Instructing the client to withhold oral fluids and report the symptoms to the provider is contrary to managing dehydration. The client needs increased fluid intake to address the signs of dehydration effectively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Assessing peripheral pulses is important for understanding the client's overall circulatory status, but it is not the most urgent assessment in this situation. The client's symptoms suggest a possible thyrotoxic crisis, which requires immediate evaluation of critical vital signs.
Choice B reason: Obtaining vital signs is the most important initial assessment. The client's report of anxiety, heart racing, and pounding could indicate a severe exacerbation of hyperthyroidism, potentially leading to a thyrotoxic crisis (thyroid storm). Vital signs will provide essential information on the client's heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and overall stability, which are crucial for immediate management.
Choice C reason: The presence of a goitre can indicates thyroid gland enlargement, which is relevant for long-term management of hyperthyroidism. However, it does not provide immediate information on the client's current acute condition.
Choice D reason: Assessing emotional status is important for comprehensive care, but it is not the priority in this acute scenario. The client's physiological status needs to be stabilized first, as indicated by their vital signs, before focusing on their emotional state.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Lung sounds are important to assess for signs of fluid in the lungs, such as crackles, which can occur with fluid volume overload. However, they do not directly measure fluid balance.
Choice B reason: Turgor assesses skin elasticity and hydration status, but it is not the most accurate indicator of overall fluid balance in the context of fluid volume overload.
Choice C reason: Weight is the most accurate and direct measure of fluid balance. Daily weight monitoring can track changes in fluid status, as weight fluctuations can reflect gains or losses in body fluid.
Choice D reason: Blood pressure is important to monitor, especially in clients with fluid volume issues, but it is not the most direct measure of fluid balance. Weight changes provide more precise information about fluid status.
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