A nurse is teaching a class about administering IV fluids to treat dehydration. The nurse should include in the teaching that which of the following laboratory values indicates effective treatment of dehydration?
Urine specific gravity 1.020
BUN 28 mg/dl
Serum hematocrit 55%
Serum osmolarity 310 mOsm
The Correct Answer is D
A. Urine specific gravity 1.020: While this value indicates concentrated urine and can be useful in assessing dehydration, it doesn’t specifically confirm effective treatment. High urine specific gravity suggests dehydration because the kidneys are conserving water, but it doesn’t directly confirm the effectiveness of treatment.
B. BUN 28 mg/dl (Blood Urea Nitrogen): Elevated BUN levels can be seen in dehydration, but it's not a direct marker of effective treatment. It indicates dehydration due to increased urea concentration in the blood but doesn’t confirm if the treatment has been effective or not.
C. Serum hematocrit 55%: In dehydration, the blood becomes more concentrated due to water loss, causing an increase in hematocrit levels. However, while this value might indicate dehydration initially, it may not specifically confirm the effectiveness of treatment once initiated.
D. Serum osmolarity 310 mOsm: Serum osmolarity measures the concentration of particles in the blood. In dehydration, the blood becomes more concentrated, leading to increased serum osmolarity. When treatment is effective, rehydration occurs, diluting the blood and bringing serum osmolarity back toward normal levels. Therefore, a decrease in serum osmolarity towards the normal range (280-300 mOsm) would indicate effective treatment of dehydration
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["20"]
Explanation
Step 1: Convert Weight to Kilograms
- 1 lb = 0.4536 kg
- 132 lb × 0.4536 kg/lb = 59.87 kg
Step 2: Calculate Total Dose of Acyclovir
- Prescribed dose = 10 mg/kg
- Total dose = 59.87 kg × 10 mg/kg = 598.75 mg
Step 3: Determine the Volume of Injectable Solution
- Acyclovir IV concentration = 30 mg/mL
- Volume = 598.75 mg ÷ 30 mg/mL = 19.96 mL
The nurse should administer 20 mL (rounded to the nearest whole number) of acyclovir IV injectable solution.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Visual disturbances:
Visual disturbances, such as blurred or yellow-tinted vision, are common signs of digoxin toxicity. Clients should report any changes in vision promptly.
B. Potassium 4.4 mEq/L:
While electrolyte imbalances, particularly low potassium levels, can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity, a potassium level of 4.4 mEq/L is within the normal range and, by itself, does not indicate digoxin toxicity.
C. Insomnia:
Insomnia is not a typical sign of digoxin toxicity. Symptoms of toxicity are more likely to involve the gastrointestinal and visual systems.
D. Sudden weight gain:
Sudden weight gain can be a symptom of heart failure exacerbation but is not a direct indication of digoxin toxicity. Other signs, such as visual disturbances, are more specific to digoxin toxicity.

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