A nurse is caring for a 68-kg (150-lb) client who has dehydration. Which of the following manifestations is an indication of effective treatment?

Rationale: A. A urine specific gravity of 1.038 is above the normal range (1.005–1.030) and indicates high urine concentration, which is consistent with dehydration rather than recovery. This finding shows that the kidneys are conserving water due to fluid deficit, not that treatment has been effective. B. A urine output of 75 mL in 1 hour indicates adequate renal perfusion and hydration status. For a 68-kg client, this equals about 1.1 mL/kg/hr, which meets the expected output range (≥0.5 mL/kg/hr). This finding demonstrates effective rehydration therapy. C. Lightheadedness suggests ongoing fluid volume deficit or hypotension, not improvement. The client may still have inadequate circulating volume or electrolyte imbalance. D. A decreased pulse pressure (difference between systolic and diastolic pressures) can result from hypovolemia or cardiac dysfunction and therefore indicates ineffective treatment rather than recovery.