College

6. An elderly client is admitted to the unit with a temperature of 100.2, urinary specific gravity of 1.032, and a dry tongue. The nurse should anticipate an order for:

A. An antibiotic
B. An analgesic
C. A diuretic
D. An IV of normal saline

Answer :

The nurse should anticipate an order for D. An IV of normal saline.

Administering normal saline intravenously helps to rehydrate the patient, restore fluid balance, and improve overall hydration status. This intervention is crucial before considering other treatments such as antibiotics, analgesics, or diuretics, as they may not address the underlying issue of dehydration directly.

Normal saline will help to normalize electrolyte levels, improve urine output, and support the patient’s recovery.