A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has fluid volume deficit. The nurse would expect which of the following findings?
Sodium 155 mEq/L
Hematocrit 44%
Urine specific gravity 1.035
BUN 19 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: Sodium 155 mEq/L is correct because it indicates hypernatremia, or high sodium level, which can occur in fluid volume deficit due to dehydration, excessive sweating, or diuretic therapy. Sodium is an electrolyte that regulates fluid balance and osmotic pressure in the body. The normal range of sodium is 135 to 145 mEq/L.
Choice B: Hematocrit 44% is incorrect because it is within the normal range of hematocrit, which is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Hematocrit can reflect the oxygen-carrying capacity and viscosity of the blood. The normal range of hematocrit is 37% to 47% for females and 42% to 52% for males.
Choice C: Urine specific gravity 1.035 is correct because it indicates a high urine concentration, which can occur in fluid volume deficit due to decreased urine output and increased solute excretion. Urine specific gravity is a measure of the density of urine compared to water. The normal range of urine specific gravity is 1.005 to 1.030.
Choice D: BUN 19 mg/dL is incorrect because it is within the normal range of BUN, which stands for blood urea nitrogen, and is a measure of the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea, a waste product of protein metabolism. BUN can reflect the kidney function and hydration status of the client. The normal range of BUN is 7 to 20 mg/dL.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Sodium 165 mEq/L is incorrect. This value indicates hypernatremia, which is a high level of sodium in the blood. Hypernatremia can be caused by dehydration, but it does not indicate that the client is responding to treatment. A normal sodium level is between 135 and 145 mEq/L.
Choice B: Potassium 5.2 mEq/L is incorrect. This value indicates hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood. Hyperkalemia can be caused by dehydration, but it does not indicate that the client is responding to treatment. A normal potassium level is between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L.
Choice C: Urine specific gravity 1.020 is correct. This value indicates that the urine is concentrated, but within the normal range. Urine specific gravity measures the amount of solutes in the urine compared to water. A high urine specific gravity indicates dehydration, while a low urine specific gravity indicates overhydration. A normal urine specific gravity is between 1.005 and 1.030.
Choice D: Hct 62% is incorrect. This value indicates polycythemia, which is a high level of red blood cells in the blood. Polycythemia can be caused by dehydration, but it does not indicate that the client is responding to treatment. A normal hematocrit (Hct) level is between 37% and 52% for men and between 32% and 47% for women.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A: Contraction of the facial muscle is correct. This is a sign of **Chvostek's sign**, which is a positive indicator of hypocalcemia. Chvostek's sign is elicited by tapping the facial nerve in front of the ear and observing for twitching of the facial muscles.
Choice B: Asked when the foot numbness would go away is correct. This is a sign of **paresthesia**, which is a sensation of numbness, tingling, or prickling in the extremities. Paresthesia is caused by decreased nerve function due to low calcium levels.
Choice C: Carpal spasm with blood pressure measurement is correct. This is a sign of **Trousseau's sign**, which is another positive indicator of hypocalcemia. Trousseau's sign is elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff above the systolic pressure for 3 minutes and observing for carpal spasm.
Choice D: Complaints of fingers tingling is correct. This is another sign of paresthesia, as explained in choice B.
Choice E: Heart rate 88 and regular is incorrect. This is not a sign of hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, such as prolonged QT interval, ventricular tachycardia, or cardiac arrest. A normal heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
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