A nurse is caring for a client admitted with a fluid imbalance. Which laboratory test(s) should the nurse anticipate will be affected by the client's condition? Select all that apply.

Choice A reason: Amylase is an enzyme primarily associated with pancreatic function and salivary gland activity. It is not directly influenced by fluid balance and does not reliably reflect hydration status or fluid imbalances. Therefore, it is not expected to be affected. Choice B reason: Sodium levels are closely regulated by fluid balance. Fluid volume deficit or overload can cause dilutional or concentration changes in serum sodium levels. Hyponatremia or hypernatremia commonly occurs with fluid imbalances, making sodium a key laboratory value to monitor. Choice C reason: Urine specific gravity reflects the concentration of urine and is directly affected by hydration status. In fluid volume deficit, urine becomes more concentrated, resulting in increased specific gravity. In fluid volume overload, urine may be dilute with a decreased specific gravity. Choice D reason: Blood urea nitrogen is influenced by renal perfusion and hydration status. In fluid volume deficit, decreased renal blood flow leads to elevated BUN levels. In fluid volume overload, BUN may be decreased due to hemodilution. Thus, BUN is commonly affected by fluid imbalance. Choice E reason: Hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. Fluid volume deficit causes hemoconcentration and increased hematocrit, while fluid volume overload leads to hemodilution and decreased hematocrit. This makes hematocrit a sensitive indicator of fluid imbalance.