A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving IV furosemide for peripheral edema. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that the client is developing dehydration?

Choice A rationale A urine output of 240 mL in a 12-hour period translates to 20 mL/hr, which is significantly below the normal physiological range of 30 mL/hr or greater. While low urine output can indicate dehydration, severe oliguria often points to acute kidney injury or severe hypovolemia, not solely dehydration. Normal urine output is generally considered to be 0.5-1 mL/kg/hr. Choice B rationale A BUN of 18 mg/dL falls within the normal range of 10 to 20 mg/dL. In dehydration, the kidneys reabsorb more water, leading to a disproportionate increase in BUN relative to creatinine due to increased urea concentration in the tubules, reflecting hypovolemia. A normal BUN value does not indicate dehydration. Choice C rationale A weight loss of 0.61 Kg (1.34 lb) in 24 hours is a significant and rapid reduction in body mass. This acute fluid deficit directly reflects a negative fluid balance, indicating a loss of body water. Each kilogram of weight loss approximates 1 liter of fluid loss, making this a clear indicator of dehydration due to fluid volume deficit. Choice D rationale A blood pressure of 100/70 mm Hg is within the normal range for many individuals, although it is on the lower side of normotension. While hypotension can be a late sign of severe dehydration, especially orthostatic hypotension, a reading of 100/70 mm Hg alone does not definitively confirm dehydration as the primary cause.