A nurse is monitoring a client who is dehydrated. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Hematocrit 45% (37% to 52%)

Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL (0.5-1.2 mg/dL)

BUN 25 mg/dL (10-20 mg/dL)

Urine specific gravity 1.028 (1.005 to 1.030)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Hematocrit 45% (37% to 52%): This value is within the normal range for hematocrit. Dehydration may increase the hematocrit due to a relative increase in red blood cell concentration, but 45% is still within normal limits.

B. Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL (0.5-1.2 mg/dL): This value is within the normal range for creatinine, indicating normal kidney function.

C. BUN 25 mg/dL (10-20 mg/dL): An elevated BUN level is a sign of dehydration as it reflects increased protein breakdown and decreased renal perfusion. This value is above the normal range and should be reported to the provider.

D. Urine specific gravity 1.028 (1.005 to 1.030): This value is within the normal range and indicates that the kidneys are concentrating urine, which is typical in dehydration as the body tries to conserve water.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Hypertension: Low calcium levels are not typically associated with hypertension. In fact, hypocalcemia can lead to a variety of neurological symptoms such as muscle spasms and tetany.

B. Increased thirst: Increased thirst is not a direct symptom of hypocalcemia. It may be seen in diabetes or dehydration but not typically in hypocalcemia.

C. Muscle tetany: Hypocalcemia is a common result of thyroidectomy, especially if the parathyroid glands were affected during surgery. This condition can lead to muscle tetany, which involves involuntary muscle contractions or spasms.

D. Diaphoresis: Diaphoresis is not commonly associated with hypocalcemia. Sweating is more related to stress, pain, or fever.

A. Sodium level 140 mEq/L (136-145 mEq/L) B. Magnesium level 1.0 mEq/L (1.3-2.1 mEq/L) C. Calcium level 10 mg/dL (9-10.5 mg/dL) D. Potassium level 3.5 mEq/L (3.5-5 mEq/L)

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Sodium level 140 mEq/L (136-145 mEq/L): This sodium level is within the normal range and is not of concern.

B. Magnesium level 1.0 mEq/L (1.3-2.1 mEq/L): This value is below the normal range, indicating hypomagnesemia, which can cause serious complications such as arrhythmias, neuromuscular irritability, and seizures. This is the most concerning value.

C. Calcium level 10 mg/dL (9-10.5 mg/dL): This calcium level is within the normal range and is not concerning.

D. Potassium level 3.5 mEq/L (3.5-5 mEq/L): This potassium level is at the low end of normal. While it is something to monitor, it is not immediately concerning compared to hypomagnesemia.

View Question and Answer

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

A nurse is monitoring a client who is dehydrated. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse reviewing the laboratory of a client who had a total thyroidectomy discovers that his calcium level is 7 mg/dL (9-10.5 mg/dL). Which of the following client findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a group of patients. Which value should be of most concern to the nurse?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a group of patients. Which patient is at highest risk for hypovolemia?

An 87-year-old patient recovering from abdominal surgery has a continuous intravenous infusion to supply nutrients and antibiotics. What complication should you suspect when signs and symptoms of redness, warmth, and pain at the infusion site are reported?

A nurse is planning to monitor a client for dehydration following several episodes of vomiting and an increase in the client's temperature. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that the client is dehydrated?

A nurse is caring for a client whose serum potassium level is 5.3 mEq/L (3.5-5 mEq/L). The nurse should anticipate a prescription for which of the following medications?

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has acute gastroenteritis. Which of the following data collection findings should the nurse identify as the priority?

At 0330, a nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative. The client's IV fluids are infusing at 120 mL/hr. How many mL of IV fluid should infuse by 0600? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

While assessing an older adult patient with fluid excess, the nurse notes the following: T = 98.6°F, P = 92, R = 18, BP = 166/88 mm Hg, bilateral crackles, oxygen saturation = 95%. Which action should the nurse take first?