Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions Related

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Daily weights are being recorded for the patient with a urine output that has been less than the intravenous and oral intake. The weight yesterday was 97.5 kg. This morning it is 99 kg. The nurse understands that this corresponds to a(n)

  • A. fluid retention of 1.5 liters.
  • B. fluid loss of 1.5 liters.
  • C. equal intake and output due to insensible losses.
  • D. fluid loss of 0.5 liters.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: fluid retention of 1.5 liters. The weight gain from 97.5 kg to 99 kg indicates an increase in fluid retention. This difference of 1.5 kg corresponds to fluid retention of 1.5 liters, as 1 liter of water weighs approximately 1 kg. This weight gain suggests that the patient is retaining more fluid than they are excreting, leading to an increase in weight.

Incorrect choices:
B: fluid loss of 1.5 liters - This is incorrect because the weight increased, indicating fluid retention.
C: equal intake and output due to insensible losses - This is incorrect as weight increased, showing an imbalance in intake and output.
D: fluid loss of 0.5 liters - This is incorrect as the weight increased, indicating fluid retention, not loss.