A nurse reviewing lab data for a client with fever and watery diarrhea should report which result to the provider?

A nurse reviewing lab data for a client with fever and watery diarrhea should report which result to the provider?

• A. Calcium 9.5 m/dL
• B. Sodium 150 mEq/L
• C. Potassium 4 mEq/L
• D. Magnesium 1.5 mEq/L

Answer: (B)

When the body loses more free water than sodium, sodium concentration rises, causing hypernatremia. In this scenario, fever with watery diarrhea can lead to significant fluid loss and dehydration, so a sodium level of 150 mEq/L indicates a concerning electrolyte imbalance that needs the provider’s assessment for fluid replacement and monitoring. The other values are within typical ranges for most adults (calcium around 9.5 mg/dL, potassium around 4 mEq/L, magnesium near 1.5 mEq/L or within its normal range). They don’t indicate an urgent electrolyte issue requiring immediate intervention, so the primary concern to report is the elevated sodium.

When the body loses more free water than sodium, sodium concentration rises, causing hypernatremia. In this scenario, fever with watery diarrhea can lead to significant fluid loss and dehydration, so a sodium level of 150 mEq/L indicates a concerning electrolyte imbalance that needs the provider’s assessment for fluid replacement and monitoring.

The other values are within typical ranges for most adults (calcium around 9.5 mg/dL, potassium around 4 mEq/L, magnesium near 1.5 mEq/L or within its normal range). They don’t indicate an urgent electrolyte issue requiring immediate intervention, so the primary concern to report is the elevated sodium.