The nurse is reviewing lab work received on a patient admitted ...

[B]

The nurse is reviewing lab work received on a patient admitted with the diagnosis of dehydration. The nurse will notify the physician of which lab value?
 
  a. Serum sodium level: 115 mEq/L
  b. Serum potassium level: 5.0 mEq/L
  c. Serum sodium level: 140 mEq/L
  d. Serum potassium level: 3.5 mEq/L

Question 2

A 37-year-old male presents at the emergency department reporting severe vomiting for the past 48 hours. When assessing skin turgor, the nurse will
 
  a. exert pressure against the shin.
  b. gently pinch the skin together over the sternum.
  c. assess for vein distention.
  d. inspect oral mucous membranes.

[skipfourms123]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
A serum sodium level lower than 135 mEq/L is considered hyponatremia. A serum potassium level of 3.5 or 5.0 mEq/L and a serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L are considered within normal limits.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Skin turgor is assessed by gently pinching the skin together over the sternum, on the forehead, or on the forearm. Elasticity is present and skin rapidly returns to a flat position in the well-hydrated patient. Exerting pressure against the shin would assess for edema. Vein distention and oral mucous membranes are indicators of hydration status but are not considered when assessing skin turgor.

[B]

TYSM

[ktidd]

Excellent