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 C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Diabetes mellitus is not directly associated with acute pancreatitis. However, longstanding diabetes can lead to chronic pancreatitis due to the damage it causes to the pancreas over time.
Choice B reason: Hyperlipidemia, specifically high levels of triglycerides in the blood, can be a risk factor for acute pancreatitis. Elevated triglyceride levels above 1000 mg/dL can precipitate an episode of acute pancreatitis.
Choice C reason: Gallstones are a common cause of acute pancreatitis. They can block the bile duct, leading to pancreatitis. It's estimated that gallstone disease is responsible for 3040% of acute pancreatitis cases.
Choice D reason: A criminal record is not a medical condition and has no relevance to the development of acute pancreatitis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Renal function is not typically reestablished during the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury; this phase is characterized by a significant reduction in urine output due to renal tubule damage.
Choice B reason: BUN and creatinine levels usually increase during the oliguric phase because the kidneys' ability to filter and excrete these waste products is compromised.
Choice C reason: The oliguric phase is defined by a urine output of less than 400 mL per 24 hours, which is a result of decreased kidney function and damage to the renal tubules.
Choice D reason: The GFR does not recover during the oliguric phase; instead, it is typically low due to reduced kidney function. Recovery of GFR occurs later in the recovery phase of acute kidney injury.
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