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: This is incorrect. While gentle hair care is important, it is not as critical as sun protection for SLE patients.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Powder can be drying, and SLE patients often need to keep their skin moisturized.
Choice C reason: This is correct. SLE patients are often photosensitive and need to protect their skin from UV rays.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. SLE patients should keep their skin well moisturized to prevent dryness.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Assessing the cranial nerves is important, but it is not the immediate next step after implementing droplet precautions for suspected bacterial meningitis.
Choice B reason: Decreasing environmental stimuli can help reduce the risk of seizures and is a supportive measure for a patient with suspected bacterial meningitis.
Choice C reason: Closing the room is part of implementing droplet precautions but is not an action that needs to be initiated by the nurse as it should already be in place.
Choice D reason: Administering an antipyretic may be necessary if the patient has a fever, but it is not the immediate next action after droplet precautions.
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