What is an expected lab finding in a client receiving adequate hydration?

In a client receiving adequate hydration, it is expected to find urine specific gravity within the normal range. Urine specific gravity is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the urine, and normal values typically range from 1.005 to 1.030. When the body is well-hydrated, the kidneys excrete a more dilute urine, which results in a lower specific gravity. This indicates that the kidneys are effectively filtering and excreting fluid without retaining excess solutes, reflecting good hydration status.

This understanding connects to the concept of fluid balance and renal function, as adequate hydration promotes the excretion of sufficient urine volume that is neither concentrated (which would raise specific gravity) nor exceedingly dilute (which could occur in cases of overhydration or certain pathological conditions). When hydration status is optimal, the body maintains homeostasis, leading to normal laboratory values for urine specific gravity.