A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has fluid volume deficit. The nurse would expect which of the following findings?
Urine specific gravity 1.035.
BUN 19 mg/dL.
Hematocrit 44.9%.
Sodium 155 mEq/L.
The Correct Answer is A
Sodium 155 mEq/L. Choice A rationale:
A urine specific gravity of 1.035 indicates concentrated urine and is consistent with fluid volume deficit. However, it is not the most specific finding for this condition.
Choice B rationale:
A BUN (blood urea nitrogen) level of 19 mg/dL can be a normal value. It is within the reference range (usually around 7-20 mg/dL) and does not provide specific information about fluid volume deficit.
Choice C rationale:
A hematocrit of 44.9% can also be within the normal range for some individuals, and while it can be elevated in cases of fluid volume deficit, it is not as sensitive as other parameters for detecting this condition.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct answer because a sodium level of 155 mEq/L is elevated and indicates hypernatremia, which is associated with fluid volume deficit. Hypernatremia occurs when there is a relative lack of water in relation to the sodium concentration in the blood, and it can lead to dehydration
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer isd. Assess for indications of pulmonary embolism.
Choice A rationale:
Administering a sedative is not appropriate as the priority intervention. Sedatives can depress respiratory function, which is already compromised in this patient.
Choice B rationale:
Preparing for mechanical ventilation might be necessary if the patient’s condition worsens, but it is not the immediate priority. The priority is to identify the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
Massaging the calf area for tenderness is not relevant in this context. While calf tenderness can be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to pulmonary embolism, the immediate priority is to assess for pulmonary embolism directly.
Choice D rationale:
Assessing for indications of pulmonary embolism is the priority because the patient’s symptoms (shortness of breath, chest pain, recent use of birth control pills, smoking history, and abnormal ABG values) strongly suggest a pulmonary embolism.Early identification and treatment are crucial to prevent further complications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Client has an NG tube to gastric suction.
Choice A rationale:
Having an NG tube to gastric suction can lead to hypokalemia because the suctioning process removes potassium from the stomach contents, leading to a decrease in serum potassium levels.
Choice B rationale:
While a history of alcohol abuse disorder can lead to various electrolyte imbalances, it is not the most direct cause of hypokalemia compared to gastric suction.
Choice C rationale:
Drinking 3.5 to 4 liters of water each day can lead to dilutional hyponatremia but is less likely to cause hypokalemia directly.
Choice D rationale:
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it helps retain potassium in the body. Therefore, it is not a causative factor for hypokalemia.
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