A nurse is reviewing the laboratory findings of a client who has Clostridium difficile. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing a fluid volume deficit?

Clear-colored urine

Decreased urine specific gravity

Increased hematocrit

Hypertension

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Clear-colored urine: Clear-colored urine typically indicates adequate hydration or even overhydration. In Clostridium difficile, where the client may be experiencing profuse diarrhea, clear urine would not align with fluid volume deficit. This finding suggests the kidneys are excreting diluted urine, which is not consistent with dehydration.
B. Decreased urine specific gravity: A decreased urine specific gravity reflects dilute urine and usually points to overhydration or an inability to concentrate urine. In a client with C. difficile and likely diarrhea-related fluid loss, the expected finding would be a concentrated urine with increased specific gravity, not decreased.
C. Increased hematocrit: An increased hematocrit indicates hemoconcentration, which occurs when plasma volume is reduced due to fluid loss. In the setting of Clostridium difficile infection, where fluid is lost rapidly through diarrhea, this rise in hematocrit is a classic marker of fluid volume deficit. It reflects the relative increase in red blood cells due to a lower plasma volume.
D. Hypertension: Hypertension is more commonly associated with fluid volume excess or other cardiovascular conditions. In cases of fluid volume deficit, hypotension or orthostatic hypotension is more expected due to decreased circulating blood volume. Therefore, high blood pressure would not support the diagnosis of dehydration in this context.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. 1 cup cooked quinoa: Quinoa is a healthy grain that contains potassium, but the amount is moderate compared to other foods. One cup provides around 318 mg, which is beneficial but not the highest among the options listed. It is not considered a high-potassium food source in comparison to dried fruits.
B. 1 cup dried apricots: Dried apricots are one of the most potassium-rich foods available. One cup contains over 1,500 mg of potassium, making it a top dietary source. This makes them an excellent choice when educating clients on increasing potassium intake.
C. 1 cup cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese contains only about 200 mg of potassium per cup. While it provides other nutrients like calcium and protein, it is not a good source of potassium. Additionally, it is often high in sodium, which can be problematic for some clients.
D. 1 cup brown rice: Brown rice provides approximately 150 mg of potassium per cup. While it is a nutritious whole grain with fiber and complex carbohydrates, its potassium content is relatively low compared to dried fruits such as apricots.

A. Fortified cereals B. Ground beef C. Kale D. Lima beans

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Fortified cereals: Fortified cereals are a good source of non-heme iron, which is iron added during processing and derived from plant sources or synthetic compounds. While helpful in increasing iron intake, non-heme iron is not absorbed as efficiently by the body compared to heme iron found in animal-based foods.
B. Ground beef: Ground beef is a rich source of heme iron, which is derived from animal hemoglobin and myoglobin. Heme iron is better absorbed by the human body than non-heme iron, making it particularly beneficial for pregnant clients who have increased iron needs to support fetal development and increased blood volume.
C. Kale: Kale contains non-heme iron, as it is a plant-based food. While it contributes to overall iron intake and is nutritionally valuable, the form of iron in kale is less readily absorbed by the body, especially in the absence of vitamin C, which enhances non-heme iron absorption.
D. Lima beans: Lima beans also provide non-heme iron, similar to other legumes and plant-based sources. Though they can support iron intake, they are not considered a source of heme iron and therefore do not offer the same absorption efficiency as animal-based options like meat.

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A nurse is reviewing the laboratory findings of a client who has Clostridium difficile. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing a fluid volume deficit?

Nursing Test Bank

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