MEDizzy - A nurse is evaluating a client’s outcome. The client’s

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Endocrine Management

A nurse is evaluating a client’s outcome. The client’s nursing care plan includes the nursing diagnosis of fluid volume deficit related to hyperosmolar hyperglycemic non-ketotic syndrome (HHNS) secondary to severe hyperglycemia. The nurse knows that the client has a positive outcome when which serum laboratory value has decreased to a normal range?

ExplanationExtreme hyperglycemia produces severe osmotic diuresis; loss of sodium, potassium, and phosphorous; and profound dehydration. Consequently, hyperosmolality occurs. A normalizing of the serum osmolality indicates that the fluid volume deficit is resolving. A decrease in serum glucose indicates that the hyperglycemia is resolving, but not the fluid volume deficit. Serum sodium and potassium values should increase, not decrease, with treatment.