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?
Serum osmolarity 310 mOsm/L
Serum hematocrit 55%
Urine specific gravity 1.020
BUN 28 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Serum osmolarity 310 mOsm/L is incorrect. Serum osmolarity measures the concentration of particles in the blood. While an elevated serum osmolarity might indicate dehydration, it's not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of treatment. It signifies the concentration of solutes in the blood rather than reflecting hydration improvement after treatment.
Choice B Reason:
Serum hematocrit 55%m is incorrect. Elevated hematocrit levels can occur in dehydration because of hemoconcentration (an increase in the concentration of red blood cells due to reduced fluid volume). However, similar to serum osmolarity, while it can indicate dehydration, it doesn't specifically reflect the effectiveness of treatment.
To determine effective treatment of dehydration, the nurse should consider the laboratory values that reflect hydration status:
Choice C Reason:
Urine specific gravity 1.020 is correct. Urine specific gravity measures the concentration of solutes in the urine, indicating the kidneys' ability to concentrate urine. A higher specific gravity (typically above 1.020) suggests more concentrated urine, which can indicate dehydration. As hydration improves, the urine becomes less concentrated, so a decrease in urine specific gravity toward the normal range (around 1.010-1.020) indicates effective rehydration and improved kidney function in retaining fluids.
Choice D Reason:
BUN 28 mg/dL is incorrect. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels can also rise in dehydration due to reduced kidney perfusion. However, like serum osmolarity and hematocrit, while it can indicate dehydration, it doesn't directly show the effectiveness of treatment or the improvement in hydration status after treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Identify the client using two identifiers is correct. Prior to administering any medication, especially controlled substances, it's crucial to confirm the client's identity using two unique identifiers, such as their name and date of birth or an identification band and verbal confirmation. Ensuring accurate identification helps prevent medication errors and ensures the right medication is given to the right patient.
Choice B Reason:
Compare the amount of medication available to the inventory record is incorrect. This is part of maintaining accurate documentation and inventory control, ensuring that the amount of medication matches the recorded inventory. However, it typically occurs after confirming the client's identity.
Choice C Reason:
Document the administration of the medication is incorrect. Documentation of medication administration is crucial for legal and medical purposes but should occur after the medication has been safely administered to the correct patient.
Choice D Reason:
Remove the medication from the medication dispensing cabinet is incorrect. Retrieving the medication from the dispensing cabinet is an essential step in the administration process, but it should occur after confirming the client's identity to ensure the right medication is administered to the right individual.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"I will have my partner tilt their head back while I am instilling the drops." Is incorrect. Tilting the head back is not typically recommended for administering optic medication as it might cause the medication to flow out instead of remaining in the ear canal.
Choice B Reason:
"I will make sure the solution is cool prior to instilling the drops." Is incorrect. The temperature of the solution usually doesn't need to be adjusted before instilling optic drops unless directed otherwise by specific medication instructions or healthcare provider guidance.
Choice C Reason:
"I will pull the pinna upward and outward prior to instilling the drops." Is correct statement. Pulling the pinna (outer ear) upward and outward helps straighten the ear canal in adults, facilitating the proper administration of optic (ear) drops. This action helps ensure that the medication reaches the ear canal effectively.
Choice D Reason:
"I will have my partner lie down on their back while I am instilling the drops." Is incorrect statement.
Having the partner lie down on their back might not be necessary for administering optic medication and might not be the optimal position for effective instillation.
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