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A nurse is caring for a client who has dehydration due to diarrhea. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A.

BUN 18 mg/dL

B.

Serum creatinine 1.0 mg/dL

C.

Urine output 12 mL/hr

D.

Urine specific gravity 1.020

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. BUN 18 mg/dL is incorrect. A BUN (blood urea nitrogen) level of 18 mg/dL is within the normal range (typically 7–20 mg/dL) and does not indicate immediate concern in this context. An elevated BUN could indicate dehydration, but this level is not significantly elevated. 

B. Serum creatinine 1.0 mg/dL is incorrect. Serum creatinine levels are also within normal limits for most adults, which is around 0.6–1.2 mg/dL, and this finding does not indicate a problem. 

C. Urine output 12 mL/hr is correct. A urine output of 12 mL/hr is low and indicates oliguria, which is a concern in the context of dehydration. The normal urine output for an adult is at least 30 mL/hr. A decrease in urine output suggests that the kidneys are not receiving adequate blood flow, which could indicate severe dehydration and requires immediate attention from the provider. 

D. Urine specific gravity 1.020 is incorrect. Urine specific gravity of 1.020 is within the normal range (typically 1.005–1.030) and indicates that the kidneys are concentrating urine appropriately, which is not a concerning finding in this case. 


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. The medication (erythromycin) is clearly identified in the prescription, so no clarification is needed regarding the drug name itself. B. The dosage (500 mg) is specified in the order, which is a standard dose for this medication, so it does not require clarification. C. The time or frequency is provided as “four times per day.” While specific facility times may need to be assigned, the frequency of administration is clearly established in the order. D. The route is entirely missing from the prescription. Erythromycin can be administered via several different routes, such as orally or intravenously, and the nurse cannot assume the intended method. This is a critical omission that must be clarified for safe transcription.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. “I will follow a full-liquid diet the day before the procedure.": This is incorrect. Typically, clients are instructed to follow a clear-liquid diet the day before a colonoscopy, not a full-liquid diet. Clear liquids (e.g., water, broth, clear juices) are required to ensure the colon is fully cleaned out for the procedure.

B. “This procedure will take place while I'm under general anesthesia.”: This is incorrect. A colonoscopy is usually performed with moderate sedation or conscious sedation, not general anesthesia. The client may be sedated but will not be completely unconscious.

C. “I have my friend drive me home after the procedure.”: This is correct. After a colonoscopy, the sedation used for the procedure can impair the client's ability to drive. It is recommended that the client arrange for a friend or family member to drive them home.

D. “I can expect rectal bleeding for a week after the procedure.”: This is incorrect. Mild rectal bleeding can occur immediately after the procedure, but it should not last for a week. If bleeding persists beyond a day or two, the client should contact their healthcare provider.

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