Final answer:
The nurse compensates for insensible and expected urinary output to maintain electrolyte balance, ensuring the kidneys can manage the body's solute concentration and support overall homeostasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of a nurse compensating for insensible and expected urinary output for the next 24 hours is B. To maintain electrolyte balance. This is crucial because the kidneys play a significant role in the regulation of fluid volume and electrolyte balance within the body. For instance, they help maintain normal osmolarity of the blood by regulating the amount of water that is reabsorbed in the collecting ducts, a process influenced by ADH (vasopressin). Ensuring that the correct amount of urine is produced and that insensible losses are accounted for allows the kidneys to effectively rid the body of excess salts and water-soluble chemical wastes, such as creatinine, urea, and uric acid, while also maintaining the necessary solute concentration for proper bodily functions.
Be aware that if the body does not produce the minimum volume of urine, which is about 0.47 liters (0.5 quarts) per day, metabolic wastes may not be effectively removed, leading to impaired organ function and potential health issues. The nurse's action in anticipating these fluid needs helps prevent complications and supports the overall homeostasis of the patient.