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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Feedings should begin within 1 hr after birth. Initiating feeding within the first hour of life supports early bonding and helps stabilize the newborn’s blood glucose. This applies to both breastfed and bottle-fed infants and is considered a key component of newborn care.
B. Feedings can be controlled by gravity. Bottle feedings should not rely solely on gravity, as this can increase the risk of overfeeding and aspiration. Instead, caregivers should hold the bottle at an angle and watch for feeding cues, allowing the infant to suck and swallow at their own pace.
C. Feedings should be on demand. While on-demand feeding is typically encouraged with breastfeeding, bottle feeding is generally guided by scheduled intervals (e.g., every 3–4 hours) early on. Over time, bottle-fed infants may show hunger cues, but structured timing helps regulate intake initially.
D. Feedings may occur in clusters. Cluster feeding is common with breastfeeding due to variable milk flow and infant comfort needs. Bottle-fed infants usually have more consistent feeding patterns and are less likely to feed in unpredictable clusters.
Correct Answer is ["A","E"]
Explanation
A. Remove the solution from the refrigerator 1 hr before infusing: Allowing the TPN solution to warm to room temperature helps reduce the risk of vein irritation and discomfort. Cold solutions can cause venospasm or systemic reactions when infused into the bloodstream.
B. Increase the rate of the infusion as needed to keep it on schedule: TPN must be administered at a consistent prescribed rate. Increasing the rate without orders can lead to hyperglycemia, fluid overload, or metabolic complications. Any delays should be reported to the healthcare provider.
C. Weigh the client every other day: Daily weight monitoring is essential in TPN therapy to assess fluid balance and nutritional status. Weighing the client only every other day may delay the recognition of fluid overload or dehydration.
D. Change the client's TPN catheter tubing every 72 hr: TPN tubing should be changed every 24 hours to reduce the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections. Extending beyond this time frame increases the likelihood of microbial contamination.
E. Infuse TPN through a central venous line: Due to its high glucose and osmolarity content, TPN must be administered via a central line to prevent phlebitis and allow for rapid, well-tolerated infusion. Peripheral administration is not suitable for long-term TPN.
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