The nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a female client suspected of having a fluid imbalance.Which laboratory value evaluated by the nurse supports the diagnosis of dehydration?
A) Serum osmolality 230 mOsm/kg
B) Hematocrit 30%
C) Hematocrit 53%
D) Serum potassium 3.8 mEq/L

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A) The hematocrit measures the volume of whole blood that is composed of RBCs. Because the hematocrit is a measure of the volume of cells in relation to plasma, it is affected by changes in plasma volume. The hematocrit increases with severe dehydration. A normal hematocrit value for a female is 37% to 47%. The hematocrit level will decrease in overhydration. Serum osmolality is a measure of the solute concentration of the blood and are used to evaluate fluid balance. Normal values are 280-300 mOsm/kg. An increase in serum osmolality indicates a fluid volume deficit; a decrease reflects fluid volume excess. Serum potassium is not an electrolyte used to determine an alteration in fluid balance. Serum sodium values would be more appropriate.
B) The hematocrit measures the volume of whole blood that is composed of RBCs. Because the hematocrit is a measure of the volume of cells in relation to plasma, it is affected by changes in plasma volume. The hematocrit increases with severe dehydration. A normal hematocrit value for a female is 37% to 47%. The hematocrit level will decrease in overhydration. Serum osmolality is a measure of the solute concentration of the blood and are used to evaluate fluid balance. Normal values are 280-300 mOsm/kg. An increase in serum osmolality indicates a fluid volume deficit; a decrease reflects fluid volume excess. Serum potassium is not an electrolyte used to determine an alteration in fluid balance. Serum sodium values would be more appropriate.
C) The hematocrit measures the volume of whole blood that is composed of RBCs. Because the hematocrit is a measure of the volume of cells in relation to plasma, it is affected by changes in plasma volume. The hematocrit increases with severe dehydration. A normal hematocrit value for a female is 37% to 47%. The hematocrit level will decrease in overhydration. Serum osmolality is a measure of the solute concentration of the blood and are used to evaluate fluid balance. Normal values are 280-300 mOsm/kg. An increase in serum osmolality indicates a fluid volume deficit; a decrease reflects fluid volume excess. Serum potassium is not an electrolyte used to determine an alteration in fluid balance. Serum sodium values would be more appropriate.
D) The hematocrit measures the volume of whole blood that is composed of RBCs. Because the hematocrit is a measure of the volume of cells in relation to plasma, it is affected by changes in plasma volume. The hematocrit increases with severe dehydration. A normal hematocrit value for a female is 37% to 47%. The hematocrit level will decrease in overhydration. Serum osmolality is a measure of the solute concentration of the blood and are used to evaluate fluid balance. Normal values are 280-300 mOsm/kg. An increase in serum osmolality indicates a fluid volume deficit; a decrease reflects fluid volume excess. Serum potassium is not an electrolyte used to determine an alteration in fluid balance. Serum sodium values would be more appropriate.

The Nurse Is Reviewing Laboratory Values for a Female Client