A client with pancreatitis is receiving 0.9% normal saline, and the prescribed IV infusion rate was increased from 100 mL/hour to 150 mL/hour. Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the prescription has a therapeutic outcome? Reference Range: Blood glucose [70 to 110 mg/dL (less than 6.1 mmol/L)] Amylase [60 to 120 units/dl. (30 to 220 units/L)] Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) [10 to 20 mg/dL (3.6 to 7.1 mmol/L)] Hematocrit (HCT) [42% to 52% (0.42 to 0.52 volume fraction)]

Rationale: A. A decrease in serum amylase from 240 units/L to 120 units/L: IV fluid therapy primarily addresses hydration and renal perfusion. Amylase reduction may occur over time and is not the most immediate indicator of the therapeutic effect of increased IV fluids. B. An increase in the blood glucose level from 130 mg/dL (7.22 mmol/L): Elevated blood glucose may be associated with pancreatitis but is not directly impacted by IV fluid administration. An increase in glucose does not reflect a positive therapeutic outcome from hydration. C. An increase in the hematocrit from 42% to 52%: Rising hematocrit suggests hemoconcentration, which indicates dehydration rather than improvement. This finding would warrant continued monitoring and possibly adjusting fluid therapy. D. A decrease in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) from 36 mg/dL to 23 mg/dL: BUN is elevated in dehydration due to decreased renal perfusion. A decrease toward the normal range reflects improved intravascular volume and effective hydration, demonstrating the therapeutic outcome of the increased IV fluid rate.