Nursing Exam Prep: Fluid & Electrolytes
Nursing Exam Prep: Fluid & Electrolytes
Definition 1 of 175
Congestive heart failure managed with loop diuretics puts you at risk for?
Potassium
Hypokalemia
Magnesium
Sodium
Definition 2 of 175
Whish statement best explains how antidiuretic hormone (ADH) affects urine output?
Increased urine output results from increased osmolarity and fluid in the extracellular
space.
Definition 3 of 175
Diabetes insipidus puts you at risk for?
Sodium
Potassium
Hypokalemia
Magnesium
Definition 4 of 175
The nurse is assisting a community group to plan a family sports day. In order to prevent
dehydration, what beverage does the nurse suggest be supplied?
Iced tea
Light beer
Diet soda
Bottled water
Definition 5 of 175
The patient has a low potassium level and the physician has ordered an IV infusion. Before
starting an IV potassium infusion, what does the nurse assess?
Apical pulse
Definition 6 of 175
The older adult patient needs an oral potassium solution, but is refusing it because it has a
strong and unpleasant taste. What is the best strategy the nurse uses to administer the
drug?
Tell the patient that failure to take the drug could result in serious heart problem
Ask the patient's preference of juice and mix the drug with a small amount
Mix the solution into food on the patient's meal tray and encourage the patient to eat
everything
Offer the drug to the patient several times and then document the patient's refusal.
Definition 7 of 175
Interstitial fluid
Hydrostatic pressure
Plasma
Intracellular compartment
Definition 8 of 175
a. U waves
Hypokalemia
Phosphorus
Magnesium
Definition 9 of 175
The nurse is assessing skin turgor in the 65-year-old patient. What is the correct technique
to use with this patient?
Pinch the skin over the sternum and observe for tenting and resumption of skin to its
normal position after release.
Observe the skin for a dry, scaly appearance and compare it to a previous
assessment.
Pinch the skin over the back of the hand and observe for tenting; count the number of
seconds for the skin to recover position.
Observe the mucous membranes and tongue for cracks, fissures, or a pasty coating.
Definition 10 of 175
The nurse and an unlicensed assitive personnel (UAP) are caring for a group of clients.
Which nursing intervention should the nurse perform?
Definition 11 of 175
Early stage of severe burns puts you at risk for?
Hyperkalemia
Hypernatremia
Potassium
Definition 12 of 175
What is the consequence and clinical manifestation for the patient who does not meet the
obligatory urine output?
Potassium
Hypernatremia
Hyperkalemia
Definition 14 of 175
The nurse is assessing the patient's urine specific gravity. The value is 1.035. How does the
nurse interpret this result?
Overhydration
Dehydration
Renal disease
Definition 15 of 175
The movement of water only (the solvent) through a selectively permeable membrane
Filtration
Hydrostatic Pressure
Osmosis
Diffusion
Definition 16 of 175
On admission, the patient with pulmonary edema weighed 151 lbs; now the patient's weight
is 149 lbs. Assuming the patient was weighed both times with the same clothing, same scale,
and same time of day, how many milliliters of fluid does the nurse estimate the patient has
lost?
500
1000
2000
2500
Definition 17 of 175
Which nursing interventions does the nurse include for the patient with hypophosphatemia?
Definition 18 of 175
The patient has a magnesium level of 0.8 mg/dL. Which treatment does the nurse expect to
be ordered for this patient?
The physician orders magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) for the patient with severe
hypomagnesemia. What is the preferred route of administration for this drug?
Oral
Subcutaneous
Intramuscular
Intravenous
Definition 20 of 175
The nurse is reviewing orders for several patients who have risk for fluid volume excess. For
which patient condition does the nurse question an order for diuretics?
Pulmonary edema
Ascites
Definition 21 of 175
What is the minimum amount of urine per day needed to excrete toxic waste products?
200 to 300 mL
400 to 600 mL
500 to 1000 mL
1000 to 1500 mL
Definition 22 of 175
The nurse is reviewing the laboratory calcium level results for the patient. Which value
indicates mild hypocalcemia?
5.0 mg/dL
8.0 mg/dL
10.0 mg/dL
12.0 mg/dL
Definition 23 of 175
Multiple transfusions of packed red blood cells can put you at risk for?
Hyperkalemia
Potassium
Hypernatremia
Definition 24 of 175
Normal value is 9.0 - 10.5 mg/dL
Potassium
Sodium
Magnesium
Calcium
Definition 25 of 175
A nurse reviews a client's electrolyte laboratory report and notes that the potassium level is
3.2 mEq/L. Which of the following would the nurse note on the electrocardiogram as a
result of the laboratory value?
U waves
Absent P waves
Elevated T waves
Elevated ST segment
Definition 26 of 175
The client who has undergone an exploratory laparotomy and subsequent removal of a
large intestinal tumor has a nasogastric tube (NGT) in place an an IV running at 150 mL/hr
via an IV pump. Which data should be reported to the HCP?
The pump keeps sounding an alarm indicating the high pressure has been reached.
Intake is 1800 mL, NGT output is 550 mL, and Foley output is 950 mL
The patients with which conditions are at great risk for deficient fluid volume? (Select all
that apply)
a. Fever of 103 degrees F
b. Extensive burns
c. Thyroid crisis
d. Water intoxication
e. Continuous fistula drainage
f. Diabetes insipidus
a. Pinch the skin over the sternum and observe for tenting and resumption of skin to
its normal position after release.
a. Greater than 3 lbs gained in a week or greater than 1 to 2 lbs gained in a 24-hour
period.
Definition 28 of 175
The patient's potassium level is 2.5 mEq/L. Which clinical findings does the nurse expect to
see when assessing this patient?
Which assessment findings are related to hypercalcemia? (Select all that apply)
a. Bradycardia
b. Paresthesia
c. Leg cramping
d. Hyperactive bowel sounds
e. Ineffective respiratory movements
f. Shortened QT interval
g. Impaired blood flow
h. Profound muscle weakness
a. Game with four players on one side and eight on the other; two move over to
create six per side.
a. Bradycardia
e. Ineffective respiratory movements
f. Shortened QT interval
g. Impaired blood flow
h. Profound muscle weakness
Extracellular compartment
Hypokalemia
Phosphorus
Calcium
Definition 31 of 175
Magnesium
Sodium
Potassium
Calcium
Definition 32 of 175
The nurse is caring for the older adult patient whose serum sodium level is 150 mEq/L. The
nurse assesses the patient for which common manifestation associated with this sodium
result?
Gastrointestinal disorders
A nurse is reading a physician's progress notes in the client's record and reads that the
physician has documented "insensible fluid loss of approximately 800 mL daily." The nurse
interprets that this type of fluid loss can occur through:
The skin
Urinary output
Wound drainage
Definition 34 of 175
Which food provides both calcium and vitamin D for the patient in need of supplemental
diet therapy for hypocalcemia?
Eggs
Broccoli
Milk
Tofu
Definition 35 of 175
the nurse is caring for several patients at risk for fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Which
patient problem or condition can result in a relative hypernatremia?
Diarrhea
The patient who has undergone which surgical procedure is at risk for hypocalcemia?
Thyroidectomy
Adrenalectomy
Pancreatectomy
Gastrectomy
Definition 37 of 175
What is the intervention of choice for the patient with mild hypernatremia caused by
excessive fluid loss?
Furosemide (Lasix) 20 mg IV
Definition 38 of 175
A nursing student needs to administer potassium chloride intravenously as prescribed to a
client with hypokalemia. The nursing instructor determines that the student is unprepared
for this procedure if the student states that which of the following is part of the plan for
preparation and administration of the potassium?
the patient's potassium level is low. What change in the cardiovascular system does the
nurse expect to see related to hypokalemia?
Malignant hypertension
Definition 40 of 175
Metabolic alkalosis puts you at risk for?
Magnesium
Hypokalemia
Sodium
Potassium
Definition 41 of 175
Short bowel syndrome with use of total parentaeral nutrition can put you at risk for?
Hypokalemia
Magnesium
Sodium
Definition 42 of 175
The nurse is caring for a patient who takes potassium and digoxin. For what reason does the
nurse monitor both laboratory results?
Definition 43 of 175
The nurse instructs the UAP to use precautions with moving and use of a lifting sheet for
which patient with an electrolyte imbalance?
Definition 44 of 175
The nurse is assessing the patient with a mild increase in sodium level. What early
manifestation does the nurse observe in this patient?
The patient's serum potassium value is below 2.8 mEq/L. The patient is also on digoxin. The
nurse quickly assesses the patient for which cardiac problem before notifying the
physician?
Cardiac murmur
Cardiac dysrhythmia
Cardiac tamponade
Definition 46 of 175
Hypernatremia
Hyperkalemia
Potassium
Definition 47 of 175
The 65-year-old patient has a potassium laboratory value of 5.0 mEq/L. How does the nurse
interpret this value?
A nurse caring for a group of clients reviews the electrolyte laboratory results and notes a
sodium level of 130 mEq/L on one client's laboratory report. The nurse understands that
which client is at highest risk for the development of a sodium value at this level?
Definition 49 of 175
The nurse caring for the patient with hypercalcemia anticipates orders for which
medications? (Select all that apply)
a. Magnesium sulfate
b. Calcitonin (Calcimar)
c. Furosemide (Lasix)
d. Plicamycin (Mithracin)
e. Calcium gluconate
f. Aluminum hydroxide
b. Calcitonin (Calcimar)
c. Furosemide (Lasix)
d. Plicamycin (Mithracin)
The nurse is caring for the patient with hypovolemia secondary to severe diarrhea and
vomiting. In evaluating the respiratory system for this patient, what does the nurse expect to
assess?
Definition 51 of 175
Plasma
Diffusion
Intracellular compartment
Interstitial fluid
Definition 52 of 175
Which serum laboratory value indicates the patient has hypernatremia?
The nurse writes the client problem of "fluid volume excess" (FVE). Which intervention
should be included in the plan of care?
Definition 54 of 175
The client is NPO and is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via a subclavian line.
Which precautions should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply)
a. Place the solution on an IV pump at the prescribed rate
b. Monitor blood glucose every six hours
c. Weigh the client weekly, first thing in the morning
d. Change the IV tubing every three days
e. Monitor intake and output every shift
a. Game with four players on one side and eight on the other; two move over to
create six per side.
The unit of measure in a liter of solution that reflects the concentration of solutes
Hyperkalemia
Osmosis
Diffusion
Osmolality
Definition 56 of 175
The patient with low potassium must have an IV potassium infusion. The pharmacy sends a
250 mL IV bag of dextrose in water with 40 mEq of potassium. The label is marked "to infuse
over 1 hour." What does the nurse do?
Definition 57 of 175
Which patient in the medical surgical unit is most likely to have increased aldosterone
secretion?
A nurse caring for a client who has been receiving IV diuretics suspects that the client is
experiencing a fluid volume deficit. Which assessment finding would the nurse note in a
client with this condition?
Lung congestion
Decreased hematocrit
Definition 59 of 175
Tall P waves
Definition 60 of 175
The emergency department (ED) nurse is caring for the patient who was brought in for
significant alcohol intoxication and minor trauma to the wrist. What will serial hematocrits
for this patient likely show?
Hemoconcentration
Decreasing osmolality
Definition 61 of 175
Contains plasma
Diffusion
Calcium
Extracellular compartment
Hypokalemia
Definition 62 of 175
A nurse is preparing to care for a client with a potassium deficit. The nurse reviews the
client's record and determines that the client was at risk for developing the potassium
deficit because the client:
Definition 63 of 175
Which serum value does the nurse expect to see in the patient with hyponatremia?
The older adult patient at risk for fluid and electrolyte problems is vigilantly monitored by
the nurse for the first indication of a fluid balance problem. What is this indication?
Fever
Definition 65 of 175
Works in balance with calcium
Phosphorus
Calcium
Sodium
Potassium
Definition 66 of 175
Which intake-output record represents the norm for the average adult?
500 mL of fluid per day, ingesting an additional 200 mL of fluid from food.
1500 mL of fluid per day, ingesting an additional 800 mL of fluid from food.
3000 mL of fluid per day, ingesting an additional 500 mL of fluid from food.
5000 mL of fluid per day, ingesting an additional 100 mL of fluid from food.
Definition 67 of 175
The nurse is caring for the child at risk for dehydration secondary to diarrhea, vomiting, and
fever. The child is alert, quiet, and clinging to the parent. What is the best nursing
intervention to rehydrate this patient?
Have the parent give small sips of preferred diluted fluids every 5 to 10 minutes.
Obtain an order for IV access and an isotonic solution such as normal saline.
Encourage the child to take as much water as possible and offer popsicles.
Definition 68 of 175
Sodium
Calcium
Chloride
Potassium
Definition 69 of 175
A nurse is reviewing laboratory results and notes that a client's serum sodium level is 150
mEq/L. The nurse reports the serum sodium level to the physician and the physician
prescribes dietary instructions based on the sodium level. Which food item does the nurse
instruct the client to avoid?
Peas
Nuts
Cauliflower
The patient has chronic renal failure (CRF). Which electrolyte imbalance often associated
with hypocalcemia and CRF does the nurse monitor for?
Hypophosphatemia
Hyperphosphatemia
Hyperkalemia
Hyponatremia
Definition 71 of 175
Which is a preventive nursing intervention for patients at risk for developing hypercalcemia?
Definition 72 of 175
The nurse is caring for the patient with hypernatremia caused by fluid and sodium losses.
What type of IV solution is best for treating this patient?
A patient will be sent home on diuretic therapy and will need to increase the amount of
potassium in the diet. What food choices would the nurse suggest be added?
Definition 74 of 175
Which serum laboratory value does the nurse expect to see in the patient with
hyperkalemia?
Definition 75 of 175
Main cation in ECF of the cell that maintains ECF osmolarity
Calcium
Sodium
Chloride
Potassium
Definition 76 of 175
The client admitted with a serum sodium level of 110 mEq/L. Which nursing intervention
should be implemented?
Definition 77 of 175
The patient's laboratory results show a decrease in serum phosphorus level. The nurse
expects to see a reciprocal increased change in which serum level?
Calcium
Potassium
Sodium
Magnesium
Definition 78 of 175
A nurse reviews a client's laboratory report and notes that the client's serum phosphorus
level is 2 mg/dL. Which condition most likely caused this serum phosphorus level?
Alcoholism
Renal insufficiency
Hypoparathyroidism
2.5 mg/dL
3.5 mg/dL
4.5 mg/dL
5.5 mg/dL
Definition 80 of 175
The physician has ordered therapy for the patient with low sodium and signs of fluid volume
excess. Which diuretic is best for this patient?
Conivaptan (Vaprisol)
Furosemide (Lasix)
Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril)
Bumetanide (Bumex)
Definition 81 of 175
The patient on the medical-surgical unit suddenly has a severely elevated magnesium level.
What does the nurse anticipate will happen next with the patient's care?
The nurse is working in a long-term care facility where there are numerous patients who are
immobile and at risk for dehydration. Which task is best to delegate to the unlicensed
assistive personnel (UAP)?
Definition 83 of 175
Sodium
Calcium
Phosphorus
Potassium
Definition 84 of 175
The patient has hyperkalemia resulting from dehydration. Which additional laboratory
findings does the nurse anticipate for this patient?
The nurse assessing the patient notes a bounding pulse quality, neck vein distention when
supine, presence of crackles in the lungs, and increasing peripheral edema. What condition
does the nurse suspect?
Fluid excess
Fluid deficit
Electrolyte imbalance
Definition 86 of 175
Patient who dislikes drinking milk and lacks calcium in the diet.
Definition 87 of 175
The nurse is caring for several patients at risk for falls because of fluid and electrolyte
imbalances. Which task related to patient safety and fall prevention does the nurse delegate
to the UAP?
Magnesium
Calcium
Sodium
Potassium
Definition 89 of 175
The patient is talking to the nurse about sodium intake. Which statement by the patient
indicates an understanding of high sodium food sources?
"I love Chinese food, but I gave it up because of the soy sauce."
Definition 90 of 175
Which serum laboratory value does the nurse expect to see in the patient with
hypokalemia?
Which analogy best approximates the principles of diffusion and concentration gradient?
Game with four players on one side and eight on the other; two move over to create
six per side
Community fun run where 2000 participants move across the line in a mass start.
Basketball game of five players per side; all players move across the court.
Concert where 1000 people are trying to enter through a single gate.
Definition 92 of 175
Which of the following nursing interventions is most important when caring for a patient
receiving a plasma volume expander?
Definition 93 of 175
The nurse weighs the patient and finds that there has been a weight gain of 1.5 kg since the
previous day. What would be the nurse's next highest priority?
Check with the patient to see if there have been any dietary changes in the last few
days
Assess the patient for signs of edema and BP for possible hypertension
The nurse monitors the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate by assessing which factor every
hour?
Vital signs
Urine output
Definition 95 of 175
The nurse is teaching the patient to recognize food sthat are high in sodium. Which food
items does the nurse use as examples? (Select all that apply)
a. Egg roll with soy sauce
b. Whate rice
c. Salad with oil and vinegar dressing
d. Bacon and eggs
e. Cottage cheese and tomato
f. Steak
g. Soup with saltine crackers
h. Steamed vegetable
c. Stay with patients while they drink and note the exact amount ingested.
The nurse is giving discharge instructions to the patient with advanced congestive heart
failure who is at continued risk for fluid volume excess. For which physical change does the
nurse instruct the patient to call the health care provider?
Greater than 3 lbs gained in a week or greater than 1 to 2 lbs gained in a 24-hour
period.
Greater than 5 lbs gained in a week or greater than 1 to 2 lbs gained in a 24-hour
period.
Greater than 15 lbs gained in a month or greater than 5 lbs gained in a week.
Greater than 20 lbs gained in a month or greater than 5 lbs gained in a week.
Definition 97 of 175
Which medication order does the nurse clarify before administering the drug to the patient
with hypocalcemia?
Definition 98 of 175
Which of the following mechanisms is the most important regulator of fluid intake?
Thirst
Electrolytes
Renin-angiotensin
Kidneys
Definition 99 of 175
The advanced practice nurse is assessing the patient with a risk for hypocalcemia. What is
the correct technique to test for Chvostek's sign?
Patient flexes arms against the chest and examiner attempts to pull the arms away
from the chest.
Place a blood pressure cuff around the upper arm and inflate the cuff to greater than
the patient's systolic pressure
Tap the face just below and in front of the ear to trigger facial twitching of one side of
the mouth, nose, and cheek
Lightly tap the patellar and Achilles tendons with a reflex hammer and measure the
movement.
Serum calcium
Serum phosphorus
Serum potassium
Serum sodium
Definition 102 of 175
Which statements about the function of the lymphatic system are true? (Select all that
apply)
a. Lymph fluid contains more protein than plasma.
b. Lymph flow is slower than blood flow
c. Lymph flow is enhanced by a pump system
d. Lymphatic vessels carry lymph fluid toward the heart
e. Lymph fluid is filtered by lymph nodes.
f. The lymphatic system takes lymph to the kidneys for excretion.
b. 1500 mL of fluid per day, ingesting an additional 800 mL of fluid from food.
The nurse provides instructions to a client with a low potassium level about the foods that
are high in potassium and tells the client to consume which foods? (Select all that apply)
Peas
Raisins
Potatoes
Cauliflower
Cantaloupe
Strawberries
The nurse is assessing the patient at risk for fluid volume excess. Which findings indicate that
the patient has fluid volume excess? (Select all that apply)
a. Increased, bounding pulse
b. Jugular venous distention
c. Diminished peripheral pulses
d. Presence of crackles
e. Excessive thirst
f. Elevated blood pressure
g. Orthostatic hypotension
h. Skin pale and cool to touch
c. Stay with patients while they drink and note the exact amount ingested.
Severe malnutrition in an older adult man can make him at risk for?
Hypokalemia
Potassium
Sodium
Magnesium
Definition 108 of 175
The patient has an elevated potassium level. Which assessment findings are associated with
hyperkalemia? (Select all that apply)
a. Wheezing on exhalation
b. Numbness in hands, feet, and around the mouth
c. Frequent, explosive diarrhea stools
d. Irregular heart rate and hypotension
e. Circumoral cyanosis
Osmosis
Diffusion
Filtration
Hydrostatic Pressure
Definition 110 of 175
The patient complains of muscle cramping in the calves, paresthesia of the toes, and the
sensation of the heart skipping a beat. These symptoms may indicate which one of the
following imbalances?
Hypernatremia
Hypercalcemia
Hypoglycemia
Hyperkalemia
The client who is post-thyroidectomy complains of numbness and tingling around the
mouth and the tips of the fingers. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Which intervention does the nurse implement for the patient with hypocalcemia?
Which precaution or intervention does the nurse teach the patient at continued risk for
hypernatremia?
Hypocalcemia
Hypokalemia
Hyponatremia
Hypomagnesemia
The patient's serum sodium value is 149 mEq/L. Which of the following nursing interventions
is most appropriate for this patient? (Select all that apply)
Based on the factors of age, gender, and body type, which patient has the smallest
percentage of total body water?
Hypernatremia
Hyperkalemia
Potassium
The patient's blood osmolality is 302 mOsm/L. What manifestation does the nurse expect to
see in the patient?
Thirst
Peripheral edema
Nausea
The nurse is assessing the weight of the patient with chronic renal failure. The patient shows
a 2 kg weight gain since the last clinic appointment. This is equivalent to how many liters of
fluid?
0.5
The nurse administering potassium to the patient carefully monitors the infusion because of
the risk for which condition?
Pulmonary edema
Cardiac dysrhythmia
Postural hypotension
Renal failure
The patient is at risk for fluid volume excess. For self-management at home, what does the
nurse teach the patient to do?
the patient shows a positive Trousseau's or Chvostek's sign. The nurse prepares to give the
patient which urgent treatment?
IV calcium
Calcitonin (Calcimar)
IV potassium chloride
a. Renal failure
c. Use of corticosteroids
d. Watery diarrhea
e. Cushing's syndrome
b. 3.5 mmol/L
c. 4.5 mmol/L
d. 5.0 mmol/L
Definition 127 of 175
The client has received IV solutions for three days through a 20-gauge IV catheter placed in
the left cephalic vein. On morning rounds, the nurse notes the IV site is tender to palpation
and a red streak has formed. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
The patient with congestive heart failure is receiving a loop diuretic. The nurse monitors for
which electrolyte imbalances? (Select all that apply)
a. Hypocalcemia
b. Hypokalemia
c. Hyponatremia
d. Hypercalcemia
e. Hyperkalemia
f. Hypernatremia
a. Hypocalcemia
b. Hypokalemia
c. Hyponatremia
b. Hypocalcemia
a. Hypocalcemia
Definition 129 of 175
Twitching
a. Crohn's disease
b. Acute pancreatitis
c. Removal of destruction of parathyroid glands
d. Immobility
a. Encourage the patient to eat a low-salt diet, d. Notify the health care provider
Definition 131 of 175
Phosphorus
Chloride
Hypokalemia
a. U waves
A nurse caring for a client with hypocalcemia would expect to note which of the following
changes on the electrocardiogram?
Widened T wave
Prominent U wave
Prolonged QT interval
Shortened ST segment
Instruct the UAP to measure the amount carefully and then discard the urine.
Instruct the UAP to save the urine in a large bottle for a 24-hour urine specimen.
Assess the patient for signs of fluid imbalance and check the specific gravity of the
urine.
Compare the amount of urine output to the fluid intake for the previous 8 hours.
Definition 134 of 175
Sodium
Calcium
Magnesium
Potassium
Phosphorus
Extracellular compartment
Hypokalemia
Calcium
A nurse reviews the electrolyte results of an assigned client and notes that the potassium
level is 5.4 mEq/L. Which of the following would the nurse expect to note on the
electrocardiogram as a result of the laboratory value?
ST depression
Inverted T wave
Prominent U wave
The nurse is evaluating the hydration status of the older adult patient. If the patient is
dehydrated, the nurse expects to observe which type of cardiovascular change?
Filtration
Diffusion
Hydrostatic pressure
Osmosis
Neuromuscular
Cardiovascular
Intestinal
Respiratory
Definition 140 of 175
Which patient condition places the patient at risk for hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia, and
hypernatremia?
Hypothyroidism
Diabetes mellitus
Adrenal insufficiency
Bread
Eggs
Cereal grains
Meat
Hydrostatic pressure
Interstitial fluid
Intracellular compartment
Plasma
Definition 143 of 175
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) managed with prednisone can make you at
risk for?
Hypokalemia
Sodium
Magnesium
Assess for and report any difficulties that patients are having in swallowing.
Stay with patients while they drink and note the exact amount ingested.
Divide the total amount of fluids needed over a 24-hour period and post a note.
Chloride
Potassium
Magnesium
Hypokalemia
Definition 146 of 175
The nurse is caring for a client with congestive heart failure. On assessment, the nurse notes
that the client is dyspneic and that crackles are audible on auscultation. The nurse suspects
excess fluid volume. What addition signs would the nurse expect to note in this client if
excess fluid volume is present?
Weight loss
Magnesium
Potassium
Sodium
Calcium
A nurse caring for a group of clients reviews the electrolyte laboratory results and notes a
potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L on one client's laboratory report. The nurse understands that
which client is at highest risk for the development of a potassium value at this level?
The movement of fluid through a membrane; usually occurs from capillaries to the
interstitial space
Diffusion
Filtration
Hydrostatic Pressure
Osmosis
a. Renal failure
c. Use of corticosteroids
d. Watery diarrhea
e. Cushing's syndrome
b. 3.5 mmol/L
c. 4.5 mmol/L
d. 5.0 mmol/L
Definition 151 of 175
The patient is at risk for fluid volume excess and dependent edema. Which task does the
nurse delegate to the UAP?
Assess the coccyx, elbows, and hips daily for signs of redness.
"My wife does all the cooking. She shops for food high in calcium."
"When I take the liquid potassium in the evening, I'll eat a snack beforehand."
"I hate being stuck with needles all the time to monitor how much sugar I can eat."
Hypercalcemia
Hypocalcemia
Hyponatremia
Hyperkalemia
Definition 154 of 175
The client is admitted to a nursing unit from a long-term care facility with a hematocrit of
56% and a serum sodium level of 152 mEq/L. Which condition is a cause for these findings?
Overhydration
Anemia
Dehydration
Renal failure
Marathon runner
Sodium
Potassium
Magnesium
Hypokalemia
The nurse is caring for the psychiatric patient who is continuously drinking water. The nurse
monitors for which complication related to potential hyponatremia?
Proteinuria/prerenal failure
The client diagnosed with a myocardial infarction who has occasional PVCs
Magnesium
Potassium
Sodium
Calcium
A nurse is caring for a client with acute congestive heart failure who is receiving high doses
of a diuretic. On assessment, the nurse notes tha tthe client has flat neck veins, generalized
muscle weakness, and diminished deep tendon reflexes. The nurse suspects hyponatremia.
What additional signs would the nurse expect to note in a client with hyponatremia?
Exstreme thirst
Chloride
Calcium
Potassium
Sodium
Definition 163 of 175
The unit of measure in a kilogram of solution that reflects the concentration of solutes
Diffusion
Hyperkalemia
Osmosis
Osmolarity
Which nursing interventions apply to patients with hypercalcemia? (Select all that apply)
a. Administer IV normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride)
b. Assess the patient for a positive Homan's sign.
c. Measure the abdominal girth.
d. Massage calves to encourage blood return to the heart.
e. Monitor for ECG changes
f. Provide adequate intake of vitamin D
g. During treatment, monitor for tetany
a. Renal failure
c. Use of corticosteroids
d. Watery diarrhea
e. Cushing's syndrome
b. Calcitonin (Calcimar)
c. Furosemide (Lasix)
d. Plicamycin (Mithracin)
Calcium
Chloride
Potassium
Sodium
Which patients are at risk for developing hyponatremia? (Select all that apply)
a. Postoperative patient who has been NPO for 24 hours.
b. Patient with decreased fluid intake for several days
c. Patient with excessive intake of 5% dextrose solution
d. Diabetic patient with blood glucose of 250 mg/dL
e. Patient with overactive adrenal glands
f. Tennis player in 100 degree F weather
b. 1500 mL of fluid per day, ingesting an additional 800 mL of fluid from food.
The nurse is caring for several patients with electrolyte imbalances. Which condition may
require the patient to be put on seizure precautions?
Hypercalcemia
Hyperphosphatemia
Hypocalcemia
Hypokalemia
Ask the patient to push the feet against a flat surface and apply resistance to the
opposite side of the flat surface.
Ask the patient to walk around the room and observe for stride, gait, balance, and
endurance.
Instruct the patient to stand at the side of the bed and abduct each leg as high as
possible.
Support the patient's lower leg with the palm and move the knee through flexion and
extension.
Definition 169 of 175
A nurse is assigned to care for a group of clients. On review of the client's medical records,
the nurse determines that which client is at risk for a fluid volume deficit?
Fragility of bones
Immobility
Altered senses
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which statement
best explains the scientific rationale for the client's Kussmaul's respirations?
The kidneys produce excess urine and the lungs try to compensate
The shallow and slow respirations will increase the HCO3 in the serum.
1,250 ml
1,995 ml
3,500 ml
2,000 mL
Hyperkalemia
Potassium
Hypernatremia
Definition 175 of 175
Hypernatremia
Potassium
Hyperkalemia