What is the most accurate indicator of fluid loss or gain in acutely ill patients?
Daily weight.
Intake and output.
Serum osmolality.
Urine specific gravity.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. Daily weight.
According to MDCalc, daily weight is the most accurate indicator of fluid loss or gain in acutely ill patients, as it reflects changes in total body water.
A weight change of 1 kg corresponds to a fluid change of approximately 1 L.
Choice B is wrong because intake and output measurements can be inaccurate or incomplete, and do not account for insensible fluid losses.
Choice C is wrong because serum osmolality reflects the concentration of solutes in the blood, not the volume of fluid.
Choice D is wrong because urine specific gravity reflects the concentration of solutes in the urine, not the volume of fluid.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is the only solution that is isotonic and compatible with blood products. It will not cause hemolysis or clotting of the blood cells.
Choice B is wrong because lactated Ringer’s is a balanced electrolyte solution that contains calcium, which can cause clotting of the blood cells.
Choice C is wrong because 5% dextrose is a hypotonic solution that can cause hemolysis of the blood cells.
Choice D is wrong because 5% dextrose in 0.45% sodium chloride is a hypertonic solution that can cause hemolysis of the blood cells.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Metabolic acidosis is a condition in which there is excess acid in the body fluids.
It causes rapid breathing, confusion, tiredness, headache, and increased heart rate.
Rapid breathing is a compensatory mechanism that helps to lower the carbon dioxide levels and increase the pH of the blood.
Choice B is wrong because decreased respiratory rate would worsen the acidosis by retaining more carbon dioxide and lowering the pH of the blood.
Choice C is wrong because normal respiratory rate would not be adequate to compensate for the metabolic acidosis and would result in acidemia (low blood pH).
Choice D is wrong because irregular respiratory rate is not a typical response to metabolic acidosis and could indicate other problems such as brain injury or drug overdose.
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