The nurse caring for a client diagnosed with dehydration recognizes that which of the following are appropriate nursing interventions? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

A. The elevated serum sodium (Na+) level of 150 mEq/L validates the symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea in the client. Vomiting and diarrhea lead to fluid loss and dehydration, resulting in an increased serum sodium concentration due to the loss of water from the body. Hypernatremia (elevated serum sodium) is consistent with dehydration resulting from prolonged vomiting and diarrhea. An elevated sodium level is indicative of hypertonic dehydration, where water loss exceeds electrolyte loss, leading to increased serum sodium concentration

B. Cl-95 mEq/L: Chloride (Cl-) is an electrolyte often lost in cases of vomiting and diarrhea due to the loss of gastric secretions and chloride-rich fluids. A chloride level of 95 mEq/L is slightly lower than normal (normal range: 96-106 mEq/L), which suggests mild chloride depletion.

C. K+3.7 mEq/L: Potassium (K+) levels within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) do not necessarily validate symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. While potassium loss can occur in cases of prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, the potassium level provided falls within the normal range.

D. HCO3-26 mEq/L: Bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels within the normal range (22-29 mEq/L) do not necessarily validate symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. Elevated bicarbonate levels may indicate metabolic alkalosis, which can occur as a compensatory mechanism in response to acid loss through vomiting or diarrhea, but this value alone does not confirm the symptoms.

A. Sorry: Expressing regret or remorse for an error is important, but it does not fully encompass the ethical responsibility demonstrated in this scenario. While acknowledging the mistake and feeling sorry is essential, the nurse's primary ethical obligation lies in taking appropriate action to rectify the error and prevent harm to the client.

B. Accountable: Being accountable involves taking responsibility for one's actions, including acknowledging errors, reporting them promptly, and taking corrective measures. In this scenario, the nurse demonstrates accountability by recognizing the administration of a wrong dose of medication and promptly informing the supervisor. Accountability is a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare that promotes transparency, integrity, and patient safety.

C. Altruistic: Altruism involves acting in the best interests of others, often selflessly and without expecting personal gain. While reporting errors and ensuring patient safety can be considered altruistic actions, the primary ethical behavior demonstrated in this scenario is accountability, as the nurse takes responsibility for the medication error.

D. Just: Justice in healthcare refers to fairness, equity, and adherence to ethical principles in the distribution of resources and provision of care. While ensuring justice is an important ethical consideration in healthcare, it is not directly applicable to the nurse's behavior in this scenario. The primary ethical principle demonstrated here is accountability, as the nurse takes responsibility for the medication error and acts to address it appropriately.