A nurse is reviewing the medical records of a client who has heart failure. The nurse should identify which of the following laboratory results as an indication that the client has fluid volume excess.
Urine specific gravity 1.015
Hematocrit 42%
Urine pH 6.5
BUN 5 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is D
A. A urine specific gravity of 1.015 is within the normal range (1.005–1.030). While fluid volume excess may lead to a lower specific gravity due to urine dilution, this value does not indicate fluid overload and is considered normal.
B. A hematocrit level of 42% is within the normal range for adults (men: 38–50%, women: 35–45%). Hematocrit levels tend to decrease in fluid volume excess due to hemodilution, but this value does not suggest fluid overload.
C. A urine pH of 6.5 is within the normal range (4.5–8.0). Urine pH reflects the acid-base balance rather than fluid status and is not a reliable indicator of fluid volume excess.
D. A BUN level of 5 mg/dL is below the normal range (10–20 mg/dL). In fluid volume excess, the dilution of blood plasma can lead to decreased BUN levels. This low BUN value, in conjunction with clinical symptoms, supports the diagnosis of fluid volume excess.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A: While explaining the negative consequences of refusal is important, it may not change the client's decision, and respect for the client's autonomy must be upheld.
B: Discussing the treatment with the client's partner without the client's consent may breach patient confidentiality and privacy.
C: Correct. The nurse should document the client's refusal of the medical treatment in the client's medical record. This documentation is essential for legal and ethical purposes and to ensure that the refusal is adequately communicated to the healthcare team.
D: Trying to convince the client to undergo the treatment is not appropriate and may violate the principle of informed consent. The client has the right to refuse treatment after being adequately informed of the risks and benefits.
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
A: A full bounding pulse is a sign of increased fluid volume or fluid overload, not fluid volume deficit.
B: Cool extremities can be an indication of decreased peripheral perfusion, which may occur in fluid volume deficit.
C: Moist crackles in the lungs are an indication of fluid volume excess or pulmonary congestion, not fluid volume deficit.
D: Orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing from lying to standing, can be a sign of fluid volume deficit due to inadequate blood volume.
E: Flat neck veins are an indication of decreased venous return and can occur in fluid volume deficit.
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