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

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Respiratory Alkalosis Partially Compensated is characterized by an elevated pH over 7.45 and a PaCO2 under 35 mmHg, with a compensatory acidic HCO3 under 22 mEq/L. This does not match the patient's ABG results.

Choice B reason: Respiratory Acidosis Uncompensated is indicated by an acidic pH under 7.35 and an elevated PaCO2 over 45 mmHg, with HCO3 in the normal range of 2226 mEq/L. The patient's ABG results show a low pH and high PaCO2, which aligns with this condition.

Choice C reason: Metabolic Alkalosis Partially Compensated would show a basic pH over 7.45 and a basic HCO3 over 26 mEq/L, with a compensatory acidic PaCO2 over 45 mmHg[^10^]. The patient's ABG values do not support this diagnosis.

Choice D reason: Metabolic Acidosis Uncompensated would present with an acidic pH under 7.35 and an acidic HCO3 under 22 mEq/L, with PaCO2 in the normal range of 3545 mmHg⁸. The patient's normal HCO3 level does not indicate metabolic acidosis.

A. Ménière's disease B. Mastoiditis C. Perforated tympanic membrane D. Acoustic neuroma

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Ménière's disease typically presents with vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss, not sudden resolution of ear pain with otorrhea.

Choice B reason: Mastoiditis may cause ear pain and drainage, but it is usually accompanied by fever and tenderness over the mastoid bone, not sudden pain resolution.

Choice C reason: A perforated tympanic membrane can lead to the sudden resolution of ear pain followed by drainage, as the pressure causing the pain is relieved when the eardrum ruptures.

Choice D reason: Acoustic neuroma typically presents with progressive hearing loss and tinnitus, not ear pain or otorrhea.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who reports ear pain for the past three days that has suddenly resolved. The client has a new onset of otorrhea (drainage from the ear). The nurse should recognize the client has manifestations of which of the following conditions?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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