A nurse is reviewing laboratory data for a geriatric patient admitted to a hospital with diagnoses of dementia and dehydration.Which laboratory data should the nurse assess in relation to this diagnosis?
A)Decreased hemoglobin and potassium
B)Decreased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
C)Increased albumin and normal sodium
D)Increased hematocrit and BUN

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increased hematocrit and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels are indicative of dehydration, which aligns with the patient's diagnosis. Hematocrit levels increase as the plasma portion of the blood decreases (due to dehydration), and BUN levels increase due to reduced renal perfusion.

A Nurse Is Reviewing Laboratory Data for a Geriatric Patient