Question

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of four clients. The nurse should identify that which of the following clients his experiencing fluid overload

A.) A client who has an albumin level of 5.5 g/dL

B.) A client who has a urine specific gravity of 1.035

C.) A client who has a Hct of 55%

D.) A client who has a sodium level of 130 mEq/L

Answer 1

The client with a urine specific gravity of 1.035 is most likely experiencing fluid overload because this elevated specific gravity suggests more concentrated urine, which can occur in states of fluid retention and overhydration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks which client is experiencing fluid overload among four clients based on their laboratory data. Looking at each option, Option B, which indicates a client with a urine specific gravity of 1.035, could be a sign. Normally, the specific gravity of urine is 1.015. A urine specific gravity higher than normal, especially reaching as high as 1.035, suggests that the urine contains a higher amount of solutes, possibly due to less water being excreted or a more concentrated urine, which can occur in states of dehydration or when there is fluid retention in the body, leading to fluid overload. Therefore, in the context of this question, the client with urine specific gravity of 1.035 is most likely to be experiencing fluid overload, considering that increased solutes concentration could be indicative of limited urine output relative to solute (common in overhydration)