A nurse is caring for a client who has an NG tube to suction and is receiving IV fluids to maintain fluid volume balance. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that this therapy is effective?
Decreased NG tube drainage.
Potassium 3.3 mEq/L.
Increased heart rate.
Hematocrit 46%.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
A decrease in NG tube drainage indicates that the client's stomach contents are not being aspirated excessively, which suggests that the IV fluids are effectively maintaining fluid volume balance. This finding is positive because it shows that the client is retaining the fluids they need, and it may also indicate improved gastrointestinal function and decreased risk of dehydration.
Choice B rationale:
The potassium level of 3.3 mEq/L (milliequivalents per liter) is low. The normal range for potassium is typically between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Hypokalemia (low potassium) can result from various factors and may cause muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and other complications. It is not a finding that indicates the effectiveness of fluid volume balance therapy.
Choice C rationale:
An increased heart rate may suggest that the client is experiencing fluid volume deficit or other physiological stress. It is not a finding that indicates the effectiveness of fluid volume balance therapy.
Choice D rationale:
A hematocrit level of 46% is within the normal range for adult males (typically around 38.8% to 50%) and indicates the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. While it can provide information about blood viscosity and hydration status, it does not directly indicate the effectiveness of fluid volume balance therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Difficulty maintaining personal hygiene is not typically an early indication of mild Alzheimer's disease. In the early stages, individuals can still manage personal hygiene.
Choice B rationale:
Difficulty handling finances may occur in the later stages of Alzheimer's disease, but it is not an early indication. In the early stages, the person might still manage financial matters.
Choice C rationale:
Difficulty remembering the names of new friends is a common early sign of mild Alzheimer's disease. It reflects the impairment of short-term memory that often occurs in the early stages of the disease.
Choice D rationale:
Difficulty driving to and from familiar places is more likely to be a mid-to-late-stage symptom of Alzheimer's disease. In the early stages, individuals might still drive familiar routes with minimal difficulty.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering morphine intermittent IV bolus every 2 hours is not a suitable intervention for reducing the risk of atelectasis. While pain management is important postoperatively, morphine can depress respiratory function and increase the risk of atelectasis.
Choice B rationale:
Turning the client from side to side every 4 hours is important for preventing pressure ulcers and promoting comfort, but it is not a specific intervention for reducing the risk of atelectasis.
Choice C rationale:
Providing nasotracheal suctioning for 15 to 20 seconds at a time is not a preventive measure for atelectasis. Suctioning may be necessary for airway clearance in certain situations, but it does not address the root cause of atelectasis.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct choice. Instructing the client to hold the inhaled breath for 2 to 5 seconds with incentive spirometer use is an effective intervention to reduce the risk of atelectasis. Incentive spirometry helps to expand the lungs and improve ventilation, preventing atelectasis after surgery.
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