What finding indicates the effectiveness of IV therapy for a client with dehydration?

The effectiveness of IV therapy in a client with dehydration is demonstrated by a BUN (blood urea nitrogen) level of 16 mg/dL. In cases of dehydration, elevated BUN levels can result from decreased kidney perfusion due to inadequate fluid volumes. A BUN level that returns to a normal range — typically around 7-20 mg/dL — suggests improved hydration status and renal function, indicating that the IV therapy is successfully rehydrating the client.

The other findings can provide some insight into the client's condition; however, they may not reflect hydration status as directly as the BUN level. For instance, while a heart rate of 90 bpm may indicate a more normal heart rhythm, it does not exclusively indicate hydration status because many factors can influence heart rate. A blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg may suggest stable hemodynamics but is less specific to volume status than the BUN level. Urine output of 50 mL/hour could be indicative of adequate kidney function but may still be low if the patient was severely dehydrated, despite some improvement.