A nurse is caring for a client who has been vomiting and has diarrhea. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of fluid volume deficit?
BUN 18 mg/dL.
A thready pulse.
Hemoglobin 15 g/dL.
Prominent neck veins.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B: A thready pulse.
Choice A rationale:
BUN (blood urea nitrogen) level of 18 mg/dL falls within the normal range, which is typically around 7-20 mg/dL. An elevated BUN might indicate dehydration or kidney dysfunction, but a value of 18 mg/dL does not necessarily suggest fluid volume deficit.
Choice B rationale:
A thready pulse is a weak and easily compressible pulse that indicates poor circulation and reduced fluid volume in the circulatory system. Vomiting and diarrhea lead to fluid loss, which can result in fluid volume deficit. Thus, a thready pulse is a significant finding in this context.
Choice C rationale:
Hemoglobin level of 15 g/dL is within the normal range for hemoglobin (usually around 12-16 g/dL for women and 14-18 g/dL for men). While vomiting and diarrhea can lead to mild dehydration, a hemoglobin level of 15 g/dL alone does not strongly suggest fluid volume deficit.
Choice D rationale:
Prominent neck veins are typically associated with increased central venous pressure, which can indicate fluid volume overload rather than fluid volume deficit. In the context of vomiting and diarrhea, neck veins are unlikely to become prominent due to volume depletion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice d. Notify the charge nurse of the client’s concerns.
Choice A rationale:
Offering information about alternative therapies is not appropriate in this situation. The nurse’s role is to ensure the client understands the current procedure and to address their concerns, not to suggest alternatives unless directed by the healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale:
Contacting a family member to convince the client to change their mind is not ethical. The decision to proceed with surgery should be made by the client, based on their understanding and consent, not under pressure from family members.
Choice C rationale:
Telling the client the benefits of the surgery might be helpful, but it does not address the client’s lack of understanding about the procedure. The nurse should ensure the client has all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
Choice D rationale:
Notifying the charge nurse of the client’s concerns is the correct action. The charge nurse can facilitate further discussion with the surgeon to ensure the client receives the necessary information and support to make an informed decision. This ensures that the client’s autonomy and right to informed consent are respected.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice d. The client’s output was 60 mL for the past 3 hr.
Choice A rationale:
Voiding three times during the night (nocturia) is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to the kidneys’ inability to concentrate urine. While it should be monitored, it is not the most urgent issue.
Choice B rationale:
Burning and discomfort with urination could indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is important to address but not as immediately critical as low urine output.
Choice C rationale:
A WBC count of 11,000/mm² is slightly elevated and could indicate an infection or inflammation, but it is not as urgent as the low urine output.
Choice D rationale:
Low urine output (oliguria) of 60 mL over 3 hours is a critical finding in CKD patients. It indicates potential acute kidney injury or worsening kidney function, which requires immediate attention to prevent further complications.
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