A nurse is assessing a client for fluid volume deficit following lumbar spinal surgery. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as an indication the client is at risk for fluid volume deficit?

BUN 16 mg/dL (10 to 20 mg/dL)

Urine output 40 mL every hour for 3 hr

Hct 42% (37% to 47%)

Surgical drain output 300 mL during an 8-hr shift

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Rationale:
A. BUN 16 mg/dL (10 to 20 mg/dL): This is a normal blood urea nitrogen level and does not indicate dehydration or fluid volume deficit. Elevated BUN may suggest volume depletion, but this value is within the expected range.

B. Urine output 40 mL every hour for 3 hr: A urine output of 30 mL/hr or greater is considered adequate in most adult clients. Therefore, 40 mL/hr is within acceptable limits and does not suggest fluid volume deficit.

C. Hct 42% (37% to 47%): This hematocrit level falls within the normal range and does not indicate hemoconcentration. Elevated hematocrit could signal dehydration, but this value alone does not support that conclusion.

D. Surgical drain output 300 mL during an 8-hr shift: This is a significant amount of fluid loss postoperatively and can contribute to fluid volume deficit. High drain output following surgery, especially spinal procedures, increases the client's risk for hypovolemia and should be closely monitored.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:
A. N95 respirator: N95 respirators are required for airborne precautions, such as with tuberculosis, measles, or varicella. Bacterial meningitis, caused by organisms like Neisseria meningitidis, requires droplet precautions, which do not necessitate an N95 mask.

B. Goggles: Goggles are used for protection against splashes or sprays of bodily fluids, particularly in procedures that may cause aerosolization. While helpful in certain situations, goggles are not required as part of standard droplet precautions for meningitis.

C. Disposable gown: Gowns are worn during contact precautions or when there is a risk of contamination from bodily fluids. They are not routinely required for droplet precautions unless the nurse anticipates contact with large amounts of secretions.

D. Surgical mask: A surgical mask is the appropriate PPE for droplet precautions, which are necessary for clients with bacterial meningitis. The mask prevents the spread of infectious respiratory droplets that can travel up to 3 feet during coughing or sneezing.

A. Place on a Low-protein diet B. Daily abdominal girth measurements C. Daily weights D. Liver biopsy E. Administer lactulose F. Liver ultrasound

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}

Explanation

Rationale:

Place on a Low-protein diet: A low-protein diet is often prescribed in clients with hepatic encephalopathy to reduce ammonia production from protein metabolism. With an ammonia level of 150 mcg/dL and signs of chronic liver disease, this is appropriate.
Daily abdominal girth measurements: This client has a distended abdomen with dullness to percussion, suggesting ascites. Measuring abdominal girth daily helps monitor fluid accumulation and response to diuretics or fluid restriction.
Daily weights: Weight tracking is essential in clients with ascites or fluid imbalance, common in cirrhosis. It provides a sensitive indicator of fluid retention or loss over time.
Liver biopsy: With thrombocytopenia (platelets 120,000/mm³), active GI bleeding, and coagulopathy likely due to cirrhosis, liver biopsy poses a high bleeding risk and is not appropriate in this unstable condition.
Administer lactulose: Lactulose is a first-line treatment for hepatic encephalopathy. It works by trapping ammonia in the colon and promoting its excretion. This is essential given the client's elevated ammonia level and risk for mental status changes.
Liver ultrasound: A liver ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging tool to evaluate liver size, structure, and presence of masses or ascites. It is safe and appropriate in this client's condition and can guide further management.

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A nurse is assessing a client for fluid volume deficit following lumbar spinal surgery. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as an indication the client is at risk for fluid volume deficit?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}

Explanation

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