Question

Hilda is being admitted to the hospital for open heart surgery. She reports being diagnosed with hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes, and taking medication for both disorders. Hilda is 65 years old. She reports her usual weight is 320 pounds. Hilda is able to provide a typical day of food intakes prior to admission that you enter into diet analysis software. During your assessment, you obtain a current weight of 290 pounds and height of 5 feet 6 inches. You observe physical signs of edema in her limbs. She is currently NPO in preparation for surgery.

Question at position 4
4

2 points

Question 4 is unpinned. Click to pin.


Question at position 4
Which labs would be most helpful to use with your physical exam to identify her fluid status?

Which labs would be most helpful to use with your physical exam to identify her fluid status?

Serum electrolytes

Serum proteins

Red Blood Cell count

Glycated hemoglobin (HA1C)

Answer 1

The labs that would be most helpful to use with a physical exam to identify Hilda's fluid status are serum electrolytes and serum proteins.

Step-by-step explanation:

The labs that would be most helpful to use with a physical exam to identify Hilda's fluid status are serum electrolytes and serum proteins. Serum electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, can help determine the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body. Serum proteins, such as albumin, can provide information about the osmotic pressure and fluid distribution in the body.

These labs, along with a thorough physical exam, can help healthcare professionals assess Hilda's fluid status and make appropriate decisions regarding her treatment and management.