A nurse reviews the urinalysis results of a patient and notes a urine osmolality of 1200 mOsm/kg (1200 mmol/kg). Which action would the nurse take?

Choice A rationale A urine osmolality of 1200 mOsm/kg (1200 mmol/kg) is high and indicates highly concentrated urine. The normal range for urine osmolality is typically 500 to 800 mOsm/kg (500 to 800 mmol/kg) but can range from 300 to 1300 mOsm/kg depending on hydration status. A high reading suggests the patient is dehydrated and the kidneys are conserving water. Therefore, encouraging the patient to drink more fluids is the appropriate intervention to restore hydration and lower urine concentration. Choice B rationale Administering an intravenous diuretic would worsen the patient's dehydration. Diuretics promote fluid excretion from the kidneys, which would further concentrate the urine and deplete the body's fluid volume. This action is contraindicated and potentially dangerous in a patient who is already dehydrated, as indicated by the high urine osmolality. Choice C rationale Seizure precautions are not indicated based on this laboratory result alone. While severe electrolyte imbalances, such as hyponatremia or hypernatremia, can cause seizures, a high urine osmolality primarily reflects dehydration and concentrated urine. It does not directly indicate an electrolyte imbalance severe enough to cause neurological symptoms, and there is no information to suggest this. Choice D rationale Recommending a low-sodium diet is not the primary intervention. While high sodium intake can contribute to fluid imbalance, the immediate concern is the high urine concentration, which indicates dehydration. The most direct and effective action to address dehydration is to increase fluid intake. A low-sodium diet is not the immediate solution for this specific finding and is not a priority at this time.