A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving IV fluids to correct dehydration. Which of the following laboratory values should indicate to the nurse that the client is effectively responding to treatment?
Sodium 165 mEq/L
Potassium 5.2 mEq/L
Urine specific gravity 1.020
Hct 62%
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: Sodium 165 mEq/L is incorrect. This value indicates hypernatremia, which is a high level of sodium in the blood. Hypernatremia can be caused by dehydration, but it does not indicate that the client is responding to treatment. A normal sodium level is between 135 and 145 mEq/L.
Choice B: Potassium 5.2 mEq/L is incorrect. This value indicates hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood. Hyperkalemia can be caused by dehydration, but it does not indicate that the client is responding to treatment. A normal potassium level is between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L.
Choice C: Urine specific gravity 1.020 is correct. This value indicates that the urine is concentrated, but within the normal range. Urine specific gravity measures the amount of solutes in the urine compared to water. A high urine specific gravity indicates dehydration, while a low urine specific gravity indicates overhydration. A normal urine specific gravity is between 1.005 and 1.030.
Choice D: Hct 62% is incorrect. This value indicates polycythemia, which is a high level of red blood cells in the blood. Polycythemia can be caused by dehydration, but it does not indicate that the client is responding to treatment. A normal hematocrit (Hct) level is between 37% and 52% for men and between 32% and 47% for women.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A: Grapes is incorrect because it is a low-potassium food, containing only 176 mg of potassium per cup. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid or limit low-potassium foods, as they can worsen hypokalemia, or low potassium level.
Choice B: Nuts is correct because it is a high-potassium food, containing 200 to 300 mg of potassium per ounce. The nurse should instruct the client to eat more high-potassium foods, as they can help prevent or treat hypokalemia.
Choice C: Watermelon is incorrect because it is also a low-potassium food, containing only 170 mg of potassium per cup. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid or limit low-potassium foods, as they can worsen hypokalemia.
Choice D: Sweet potato is correct because it is also a high-potassium food, containing 448 mg of potassium per medium-sized potato. The nurse should instruct the client to eat more high-potassium foods, as they can help prevent or treat hypokalemia.
Choice E: Bananas is correct because it is also a high-potassium food, containing 422 mg of potassium per medium- sized banana. The nurse should instruct the client to eat more high-potassium foods, as they can help prevent or treat hypokalemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Corticosteroid is incorrect because it does not directly affect the potassium level in the blood, although it can cause sodium and water retention, which can dilute the potassium concentration. Corticosteroid is a type of anti- inflammatory medication that can be used to treat conditions such as asthma, arthritis, or allergic reactions.
Choice B: Narcotic is incorrect because it does not directly affect the potassium level in the blood, although it can cause respiratory depression, which can lead to respiratory acidosis and hyperkalemia, or high potassium level. Narcotic is a type of analgesic medication that can be used to treat moderate to severe pain.
Choice C: Thiazide diuretic is correct because it is a type of medication that increases urine output and sodium excretion, but also causes potassium loss in the urine. Thiazide diuretic can be used to treat conditions such as hypertension, edema, or heart failure.
Choice D: Muscle relaxer is incorrect because it does not directly affect the potassium level in the blood, although it can cause muscle weakness, which can mimic the symptoms of hypokalemia. Muscle relaxer is a type of medication that can be used to treat conditions such as muscle spasms, back pain, or fibromyalgia.
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