Question

Which condition or manifestation in the client with a serum sodium level of 149 mEq/L indicates to the nurse that this electrolyte imbalance may be caused by excessive fluid loss?

A. The client has calf muscle cramping.
B. The serum chloride level is low.
C. The urine specific gravity is high.
D. The hematocrit is 52%.

Answer 1

High urine specific gravity is indicative of dehydration, suggesting that the hypernatremia may be due to excessive fluid loss. The serum sodium level of 149 mEq/L indicates hypernatremia, a situation consistent with water loss rather than a decrease in total body sodium.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the given options, C. The urine specific gravity is high indicates to the nurse that the electrolyte imbalance may be caused by excessive fluid loss. A serum sodium level of 149 mEq/L suggests hypernatremia, an abnormal increase in blood sodium levels. This condition can be linked to dehydration, resulting in a concentration of blood constituents due to the loss of water rather than total body sodium content.

High urine specific gravity reflects a concentrated urine, indicating that the body is trying to conserve water in response to dehydration. This contrasts with hypochloremia, where chloride levels are low, or alterations in hematocrit which could indicate conditions unrelated to the body's water balance directly. Calf muscle cramping may be a symptom but does not specifically indicate electrolyte imbalance due to fluid loss.