Question

An older adult client is brought to an emergency department by a family member. which of the following assessment findings should cause the nurse to suspect that the client has hypertonic dehydration?

A. serum sodium level 145 mEq/L
B. forearm skin tents when pinched
C. respiratory rate decreased
D. urine specific gravity 1.045

Answer 1

Hypertonic dehydration occurs when there is a relative decrease in blood sodium levels, as indicated by an elevated serum sodium level of 145 mEq/L.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hypertonic dehydration occurs when there is a relative decrease in blood sodium levels. The serum sodium level of 145 mEq/L (option A) is elevated, which indicates hypertonic dehydration. This is because hypertonic dehydration is characterized by an increase in the concentration of solutes in the extracellular fluid, resulting in a high osmotic pressure and water movement out of the cells. Therefore, a high serum sodium level is a key assessment finding that should raise suspicion of hypertonic dehydration.