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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Fatigue is a common symptom of ITP but is not the primary concern for monitoring, as it does not directly indicate the severity of the condition.
Choice B reason: While monitoring for side effects of immunosuppressants is important, it is not the priority concern. The primary issue in ITP is the low platelet count, which poses a risk of bleeding.
Choice C reason: Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet count, is the hallmark of ITP and the main concern for monitoring, as it increases the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Choice D reason: Infection is a risk due to the potential use of immunosuppressants in treatment; however, the immediate concern in ITP management is the platelet count and associated bleeding risk.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect. A stroke involving the right cerebral hemisphere typically affects the left side of the body and can cause problems with spatial and perceptual abilities, not necessarily with language or discrimination of words and letters, which are more commonly associated with left hemisphere strokes⁸.
Choice B reason: Motor retardation is not specific to right hemisphere strokes. While right hemisphere strokes can cause weakness on the left side of the body, the term 'motor retardation' is not commonly used to describe this symptom⁸.
Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because deficits in the right visual field would suggest a problem with the left cerebral hemisphere, not the right. A right hemisphere stroke typically causes problems with the left visual field⁸.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice. Individuals with right hemisphere strokes may exhibit poor impulse control, as the right hemisphere is involved in judgment and behavior regulation⁸.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.