A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving IV fluids to correct dehydration. Which of the following laboratory values should indicate to the nurse that the patient is effectively responding to treatment?
Urine specific gravity of 1.020
Serum sodium of 165 mEq/L
Hematocrit of 48%
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 12 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Urine specific gravity measures the kidney's ability to concentrate urine. A normal range is typically 1.005–1.030. A value of 1.020 indicates adequate hydration and suggests that the patient is responding well to IV fluid therapy.
Choice B reason: Serum sodium levels reflect electrolyte balance. The normal range is 135–145 mEq/L. A level of 165 mEq/L is significantly elevated, indicating hypernatremia, which could be a sign of inadequate hydration and not a positive response to treatment.
Choice C reason: Hematocrit represents the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. Normal ranges are 38.3–48.6% for men and 35.5–44.9% for women. A hematocrit of 48% is at the upper limit of normal and does not specifically indicate the effectiveness of dehydration treatment.
Choice D reason: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels can indicate renal function and hydration status. The normal range is 7–20 mg/dL. A BUN of 12 mg/dL is within the normal range and does not specifically reflect the patient's response to IV fluids for dehydration.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: The normal range for serum creatinine is indeed 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for males and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for females. Serum creatinine is a waste product from the normal breakdown of muscle tissue. As kidneys become impaired for any reason, the serum creatinine level rises due to poor clearance by the kidneys.
Choice B reason: A GFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m for three months or more is one of the criteria for the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. GFR is a measure of how well the kidneys filter blood, and a lower GFR indicates poorer kidney function.
Choice C reason: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels should indeed be between 7 and 20 mg/dL. BUN measures the amount of nitrogen in your blood that comes from the waste product urea. Urea is made when protein is broken down in your body. BUN levels can rise with the level of protein in your diet and your kidney function[^10^].
Choice D reason: An increase in serum potassium can indicate hyperkalemia, which may be a sign of acute kidney injury. Potassium is a critical electrolyte, and its levels are tightly regulated by the kidneys. High levels can lead to dangerous heart rhythms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Keeping the client NPO (nothing by mouth) is not directly related to preventing a thyroid crisis. While it may be necessary in some situations, such as preoperative care, it does not address the hyperthyroid state.
Choice B reason: Observing the client for signs of hypocalcemia is important, especially after thyroid surgery, as hypocalcemia can occur due to accidental removal or damage to the parathyroid glands. However, it is not a preventive measure for a thyroid crisis.
Choice C reason: Providing a quiet, low stimulus environment can help reduce stress and agitation, which are potential triggers for a thyroid crisis. Stress can exacerbate hyperthyroid symptoms and precipitate a crisis.
Choice D reason: Aspirin is contraindicated in clients with hyperthyroidism as it can increase thyroid hormone levels by displacing them from their binding proteins. This can potentially worsen the condition and lead to a crisis.
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