Which of the following lab values would be most important to monitor during the fluid resuscitation phase? (Select All that Apply.)
Blood glucose
Potassium
Lactate
Troponin
Hematocrit
Correct Answer : B,C,E
Rationale:
A. Blood glucose is not a priority lab during the fluid resuscitation phase unless the patient has diabetes or a hyperglycemic emergency. While it may be monitored routinely, it does not directly guide fluid resuscitation effectiveness or immediate hemodynamic stability.
B. Potassium is critically important to monitor because fluid resuscitation can cause rapid shifts in potassium levels. Dilution, improved renal perfusion, and intracellular shifts may lead to hypokalemia, which can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias.
C. Lactate is an essential marker of tissue perfusion and oxygenation. Elevated lactate indicates anaerobic metabolism due to hypoperfusion, and decreasing levels suggest effective fluid resuscitation and improved tissue oxygenation.
D. Troponin is a cardiac-specific marker used to diagnose myocardial injury. It is not routinely monitored during fluid resuscitation unless there is concern for acute coronary syndrome or cardiac ischemia.
E. Hematocrit is important to monitor because fluid resuscitation can cause hemodilution, and changes may reflect blood loss, plasma volume expansion, or ongoing hemorrhage. Monitoring hematocrit helps assess the adequacy of resuscitation and guides further treatment decisions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Urine output of 10 mL/h is correct because oliguria (urine output < 0.5 mL/kg/h or roughly < 30 mL/h in adults) is a key indicator of inadequate perfusion and insufficient fluid resuscitation. In burn or shock patients, adequate fluid resuscitation is essential to maintain renal perfusion and prevent acute kidney injury. A urine output of 10 mL/h suggests hypoperfusion and ongoing intravascular volume deficit.
B. Urine output of 50 mL/h is incorrect because this indicates adequate renal perfusion and suggests that fluid resuscitation is likely sufficient. This meets or exceeds the target urine output for most critically ill patients.
C. Respiratory rate of 16 is incorrect because this is within normal limits (12–20 breaths/min) and does not indicate hypovolemia or inadequate fluid resuscitation.
D. Blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg is incorrect because this is a normal blood pressure. While hypotension can be a late sign of inadequate fluid resuscitation, a normal BP does not necessarily indicate inadequate resuscitation on its own, especially in early shock where compensatory mechanisms maintain BP.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Confusion & bradycardia is incorrect. Confusion can occur in thyroid storm due to severe hypermetabolism affecting the CNS, but bradycardia is not consistent with the condition. Thyroid storm typically causes tachycardia or arrhythmias, not a slow heart rate.
B. Bradycardia & fever is incorrect. Fever is a key feature of thyroid storm, often greater than 101°F (38.3°C). However, bradycardia is opposite the expected hyperdynamic response. Patients usually have rapid heart rates, palpitations, and potential cardiovascular instability.
C. Tachycardia & weight gain is incorrect. Tachycardia is correct; patients with thyroid storm are hypermetabolic and frequently present with rapid heart rates. Weight gain is incorrect because hyperthyroidism increases metabolism, leading to weight loss even if appetite is increased.
D. Fever & tremors is correct. Both fever and tremors are classic signs of thyroid storm, reflecting hypermetabolism and sympathetic nervous system overactivity. Other associated signs include tachycardia, agitation, diaphoresis, confusion, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Early recognition is critical because thyroid storm is a life-threatening emergency requiring antithyroid therapy, beta-blockers, and supportive care.
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