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: The visibility of chest tube eyelets is not typically a concern unless there is evidence that the tube is dislodged. In normal circumstances, the eyelets may not be visible, and this does not necessarily indicate a need for intervention.

Choice B reason: The development of subcutaneous emphysema, which is the presence of air in the subcutaneous tissue, can be a sign of a serious complication such as a pneumothorax. It requires immediate assessment and possible intervention to prevent further complications.

Choice C reason: Tidal fluctuation in the water seal chamber is a normal finding when a chest tube is in place. It indicates that the system is patent and functioning correctly as it reflects the pressure changes in the pleural space during respiration.

Choice D reason: Continuous bubbling in the suction control chamber may indicate an air leak in the system, which could be normal if the system is set to continuous suction. However, if the bubbling is vigorous and the system is not set to continuous suction, it may indicate a new air leak and require intervention.

A. Dependent rubor B. Foot ulcers C. Rest pain D. Intermittent claudication

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Dependent rubor, a reddish coloration of the skin that occurs when the legs are in a dependent position, can be a sign of PAD, indicating poor arterial flow.

Choice B reason: Foot ulcers may occur in individuals with PAD due to poor blood circulation and the inability of sores or injuries to heal properly.

Choice C reason: Rest pain is a symptom of advanced PAD and occurs due to insufficient blood flow to the limbs even at rest, often worsening at night when the legs are elevated.

Choice D reason: Intermittent claudication, characterized by pain and cramping in the legs during exercise that disappears after rest, is a hallmark symptom of PAD and results from inadequate blood flow during increased activity.

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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

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