A nurse is caring for a client who has Graves' disease. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is developing a thyroid storm?

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.

A. Members of a health care team can share a computer password.: This is incorrect. Passwords should never be shared, as doing so can compromise the confidentiality of client information. Each team member should have their own secure login and password.

B. Information regarding client health can be e-mailed if encrypted.: This is correct. According to HIPAA guidelines, it is permissible to email client health information if the email is encrypted and appropriate security measures are taken.

C. A client is restricted from accessing his own medical records.: This is incorrect. Clients have the right to access their own medical records under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA..

D. Unwanted printed health information can be discarded in a trash can.: This is incorrect. Printed health information should be shredded, not simply discarded in the trash, to ensure confidentiality is maintained.