The nurse is caring for a client who has a diagnosis of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). The plan of care includes assessment of specific gravity every 4 hours. The results of this test will allow the nurse to assess what aspect of the client's health?
Nutritional Status
Potassium Balance
Calcium Balance
Fluid Volume Status
The Correct Answer is D
A. Nutritional status is not evaluated using urine specific gravity; this requires dietary intake assessments and lab tests like albumin or prealbumin.
B. Potassium balance is monitored through serum potassium levels, not urine specific gravity.
C. Calcium balance is also assessed through blood tests, not specific gravity measurements.
D. Urine specific gravity reflects the concentration of solutes in the urine and is a direct indicator of fluid volume status. In SIADH, excessive ADH causes water retention and concentrated urine, resulting in elevated specific gravity, which helps monitor the effectiveness of fluid management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A BUN of 29 mg/dL is slightly elevated and may suggest dehydration, but it is not the most immediately critical finding.
B. A sodium level of 132 mEq/L is mildly hyponatremic but not acutely life-threatening in most cases.
C. A urine specific gravity of 1.025 is within the normal range (1.010–1.030) and not alarming on its own.
D. A serum potassium level of 3 mEq/L is hypokalemic and clinically significant, especially in a client with vomiting. Low potassium can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness, making it the most urgent value to address.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Metabolic alkalosis is not a direct result of third spacing and is more often associated with vomiting or diuretic use.
B. Hypermagnesemia occurs with excessive intake or renal failure, not third spacing.
C. Hypercalcemia is unrelated to fluid shifts associated with burns.
D. Hypovolemia is the correct answer. Third spacing occurs when fluid shifts from the intravascular space to interstitial or "third" spaces, leading to a decrease in circulating blood volume despite normal or increased total body fluid — causing signs of hypovolemia such as hypotension, tachycardia, and decreased urine output.
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