Exam 1 Study Set - Chapter 10

Which solution is hypotonic?

0.45% NaCl

A client reports tingling in the fingers as well as feeling depressed. The nurse assesses positive Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs. Which decreased laboratory results does the nurse observe when the client's laboratory work has returned?

Calcium

The nurse assesses a client who is diagnosed with bulimia nervosa and at risk for alterations in both fluid and electrolyte balance.

During the assessment, the nurse focuses on monitoring the patient for hypokalemia as evidenced by cardiac arrhythmia

A client is taking spironolactone to control hypertension. The client's serum potassium level is 6 mEq/L. What is the nurse's priority during assessment?

ECG results

A nurse is caring for an adult client with numerous draining wounds from gunshots. The client's pulse rate has increased from 100 to 130 beats per minute over the last hour. The nurse should further assess the client for which of the following?

Extracellular fluid volume deficit Fluid volume deficit (FVD) occurs when the loss extracellular fluid (ECF) volume exceeds the intake of fluid. FVD results from loss of body fluids and occurs more rapidly when coupled with decreased fluid intake. A cause of this loss is hemorrhage.

A 5% NaCl solution is ____tonic.

Hypertonic

An elderly client takes 40 mg of furosemide twice a day. Which electrolyte imbalance is the most serious adverse effect of diuretic use?

Hypokalemia (potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L) usually indicates a deficit in total potassium stores. Potassium-losing diuretics, such as furosemide, can induce hypokalemia. Hyperkalemia refers to increased potassium levels. Loop diuretics can bring about lower sodium levels, not hypernatremia. Furosemide does not affect phosphorus levels.

Half-strength saline is ____tonic.

Hypotonic

A client has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) values: pH, 7.12; partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2), 40 mm Hg; and bicarbonate (HCO3-), 15 mEq/L. These ABG values suggest which disorder?

Metabolic acidosis

Which electrolyte is a major cation in body fluid?

Potassium Potassium is a major cation that affects cardiac muscle functioning. Chloride, bicarbonate, and phosphate are anions.

A client seeks medical attention for an acute onset of severe thirst, polyuria, muscle weakness, nausea, and bone pain. Which health history information will the nurse report to the health care provider?

Takes high doses of vitamin D

A client presents with anorexia, nausea and vomiting, deep bone pain, and constipation. The following are the client's laboratory values. sodium 137 mEq/L (137 mmol/L) potassium 4.6 mEq/L (4.6 mmol/L) chloride 94 mEq/L (94 mmol/L) calcium 12.9 mg/dL (3.2 mmol/L) What laboratory value is of highest concern to the nurse?

calcium 12.9 mg/dL (3.2 mmol/L) More than 99% of the body's calcium is found in the skeletal system. Hypercalcemia, or calcium levels exceeding 10.2 mg/dL (2.5 mmol/L), can be a dangerous imbalance. The client presents with anorexia, nausea and vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, bone pain, and confusion. The listed sodium, potassium, and chloride levels are within normal limits.

A client who complains of an "acid stomach" has been taking baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) regularly as a self-treatment. This may place the client at risk for which acid-base imbalance?

metabolic alkalosis Metabolic alkalosis results in increased plasma pH because of accumulated base bicarbonate or decreased hydrogen ion concentrations. The client's regular use of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) may create a risk for this condition. Metabolic acidosis refers to decreased plasma pH because of increased organic acids (acids other than carbonic acid) or decreased bicarbonate. Respiratory acidosis, which may be either acute or chronic, is caused by excess carbonic acid. Respiratory alkalosis results from a carbonic acid deficit that occurs when rapid breathing releases more CO2 than necessary with expired air.

When evaluating arterial blood gases (ABGs), which value is consistent with metabolic alkalosis?

pH 7.48

Which set of arterial blood gas (ABG) results requires further investigation?

pH 7.49, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, PaO2 89 mm Hg, and HCO3- 18 mEq/L The ABG results pH 7.49, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, PaO2 89 mm Hg, and HCO3- 18 mEq/L indicate respiratory alkalosis. The pH level is increased, and the HCO3- and PaCO2 levels are decreased. Normal values are pH 7.35 to 7.45; PaCO2 35 to 45 mm Hg; HCO3- 22 to 26 mEq/L.

To confirm an acid-base imbalance, it is necessary to assess which findings from a client's arterial blood gas (ABG) results?

pH, PaCO2, and HCO3

To evaluate a client for hypoxia, the physician is most likely to order which laboratory test?

Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis

Fluid and electrolyte balance is maintained through the process of translocation. What specific process allows water to pass through a membrane from a dilute to a more concentrated area?

Osmosis

A client is diagnosed with hypocalcemia and the nurse is teaching the client about symptoms. What symptom would the nurse include in the teaching?

tingling sensation in the fingers

An adult client is brought in to the clinic feeling thirsty with dry, sticky mucous membranes; decreased urine output; fever; a rough tongue; and lethargy. The nurse reconciles the client's medication list and notes that salt tablets had been prescribed. What would the nurse do next?

Consider sodium restriction with discontinuation of salt tablets Symptoms suggest hypernatremia

A priority nursing intervention for a client with hypervolemia involves which of the following?

Monitoring respiratory status for signs and symptoms of pulmonary complications.

Which of the following arterial blood gas results would be consistent with metabolic alkalosis?

Serum bicarbonate of 28 mEq/L Evaluation of arterial blood gases reveals a pH greater than 7.45 and a serum bicarbonate concentration greater than 26 mEq/L.

The calcium concentration in the blood is regulated by which mechanism?

The serum calcium concentration is controlled by PTH and calcitonin.

A client was admitted to the hospital unit after 2 days of vomiting and diarrhea. The client's spouse became alarmed when the client demonstrated confusion and elevated temperature, and reported "dry mouth." The nurse suspects the client is experiencing which condition?

dehydration

Your client has a diagnosis of hypervolemia. What would be an important intervention that you would initiate?

Limit sodium and water intake. Implement prescribed interventions such as limiting sodium and water intake and administering ordered medications that promote fluid elimination. Assessing for dehydration and teaching to decrease urination would not be appropriate interventions.

The nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes type I who is having severe vomiting and diarrhea. What condition that exhibits blood values with a low pH and a low plasma bicarbonate concentration should the nurse assess for?

Metabolic acidosis Metabolic acidosis is a common clinical disturbance characterized by a low pH (increased H+ concentration) and a low plasma bicarbonate concentration.

The nurse is caring for a client with an acid-base imbalance. For which imbalance will the nurse calculate the anion gap?

Metabolic acidosis The anion gap refers to the difference between the sum of all measured positively charged electrolytes (cations) and the sum of all negatively charged electrolytes (anions) in blood. The anion gap reflects unmeasured anions (phosphates, sulfates, and proteins) in plasma that replace bicarbonate in metabolic acidosis. Measuring the anion gap is necessary when analyzing conditions of metabolic acidosis as it can help determine the cause of the acidosis. Anion gap is calculated primarily to identify the cause of metabolic acidosis.

Which is considered an isotonic solution?

0.9% normal saline An isotonic solution is 0.9% normal saline (NaCl). Dextran in normal saline is a colloid solution, 0.45% normal saline is a hypotonic solution, and 3% NaCl is a hypertonic solution.

The weight of a client with congestive heart failure is monitored daily and entered into the medical record. In a 24-hour period, the client's weight increased by 2 lb. How much fluid is this client retaining?

1 L

A client has chronic hyponatremia, which requires weekly laboratory monitoring to prevent the client lapsing into convulsions or a coma. What is the level of serum sodium at which a client can experience these side effects?

114 mEq/L

Normal values of HCO3-

22 to 26 mEq/L.

With which condition should the nurse expect that a decrease in serum osmolality will occur?

Kidney failure

Normal values of PaCO2

35 to 45 mm Hg

Normal values of pH

7.35 to 7.45

The nurse is caring for four clients on a medical unit. The nurse is most correct to review which client's laboratory reports first for an electrolyte imbalance?

A 52-year-old with diarrhea Electrolytes are in both intracellular and extracellular water. Electrolyte deficiency occurs from an inadequate intake of food, conditions that deplete water such as nausea and vomiting, or disease processes that cause an excess of electrolyte amounts. The 52-year-old with diarrhea would be the client most likely to have an electrolyte imbalance. The orthopedic client will not likely have an electrolyte imbalance. Myocardial infarction clients will occasionally have electrolyte imbalance, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

A client weighing 160.2 pounds (72.7 kg), who has been diagnosed with hypovolemia, is weighed every day. The health care provider asked to be notified if the client loses 1,000 mL of fluid in 24 hours. What weight would be consistent with this amount of fluid loss?

A loss of 0.5 kg, or 1.1 lb, represents a fluid loss of about 500 mL. Therefore, a loss of 1,000 mL would be equivalent to the loss of 2.2 lbs (1 kg), bringing the client's weight to 158.0 lbs (71.7 kg).

The emergency department (ED) nurse is caring for a client with a possible acid-base imbalance. The physician has ordered an arterial blood gas (ABG). What is one of the most important indications of an acid-base imbalance that is shown in an ABG?

Bicarbonate

Air embolism is a potential complication of IV therapy. The nurse should be alert to which clinical manifestation associated with air embolism?

Chest pain Manifestations of air embolism include dyspnea and cyanosis; hypotension; weak, rapid pulse; loss of consciousness; and chest, shoulder, and low back pain. Jaundice is not associated with air embolism.

Which findings indicate that a client has developed water intoxication secondary to treatment for diabetes insipidus?

Confusion and seizures.

The nurse is caring for a client with a serum sodium concentration of 113 mEq/L (113 mmol/L). The nurse should monitor the client for the development of which condition?

Confusion. Normal serum concentration ranges from 135 to 145 mEq/L (135-145 mmol/L). Hyponatremia exists when the serum concentration decreases below 135 mEq/L (135 mmol/L). When the serum sodium concentration decreases to <115 mEq/L (<115 mmol/L), signs of increasing intracranial pressure, such as lethargy, confusion, muscle twitching, focal weakness, hemiparesis, papilledema, seizures, and death, may occur. General manifestations of hyponatremia include poor skin turgor, dry mucosa, headache, decreased saliva production, orthostatic fall in blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping. Neurologic changes, including altered mental status, status epilepticus, and coma, are probably related to cellular swelling and cerebral edema associated with hyponatremia. Hallucinations are associated with increased serum sodium concentrations.

The nurse notes that a client has lost 5 lbs. (2.27 kg) of body weight over 5 days. Which additional assessment findings indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing hypovolemia?

Flat-neck veins, muscle cramps, and concentrated urine

A client with severe hypervolemia is prescribed a loop diuretic and the nurse is concerned with the client experiencing significant sodium and potassium losses. What drug was most likely prescribed?

Furosemide

The nurse is assessing residents at a summer picnic at the nursing facility. The nurse expresses concern due to the high heat and humidity of the day. Although the facility is offering the residents plenty of fluids for fluid maintenance, the nurse is most concerned about which?

Insensible fluid loss

Which intervention is most appropriate for a client with an arterial blood gas (ABG) of pH 7.5, a partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) of 26 mm Hg, oxygen (O2) saturation of 96%, bicarbonate (HCO3-) of 24 mEq/L, and a PaO2 of 94 mm Hg?

Instruct patient to breathe into a paper bag. The ABG results reveal respiratory alkalosis. The best intervention to raise the PaCO2 level would be to have the client breathe into a paper bag.

Lactated Ringer solution and normal saline (0.9% NaCl) are ____tonic.

Isotonic

A client hospitalized for treatment of a pulmonary embolism develops respiratory alkalosis. Which clinical findings commonly accompany respiratory alkalosis?

Light-headedness or paresthesia The client with respiratory alkalosis may complain of light-headedness or paresthesia (numbness and tingling in the arms and legs). Headache, blurry vision, abdominal pain, and diarrhea may accompany respiratory acidosis. Hallucinations and tinnitus rarely are associated with respiratory alkalosis or any other acid-base imbalance.

A client in the emergency department reports that he has been vomiting excessively for the past 2 days. His arterial blood gas analysis shows a pH of 7.50, partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) of 43 mm Hg, partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) of 75 mm Hg, and bicarbonate (HCO3-) of 42 mEq/L. Based on these findings, the nurse documents that the client is experiencing which type of acid-base imbalance?

Metabolic alkalosis A pH over 7.45 with a HCO3- level over 26 mEq/L indicates metabolic alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis is always secondary to an underlying cause and is marked by decreased amounts of acid or increased amounts of base HCO3-. The client isn't experiencing respiratory alkalosis because the PaCO2 is normal. The client isn't experiencing respiratory or metabolic acidosis because the pH is greater than 7.35.

A 64-year-old client is brought in to the clinic with thirsty, dry, sticky mucous membranes, decreased urine output, fever, a rough tongue, and lethargy. Serum sodium level is above 145 mEq/L. Should the nurse start salt tablets when caring for this client?

No, sodium intake should be restricted.

The nurse is adding the intake and output results for a client diagnosed with dehydration. The nurse notes a 24-hour intake of 1500 mL/day between oral fluids and intravenous solutions. The output total is calculated as 2800 mL/day from urine output, emesis, and Hemovac drainage. Which nursing action is best to maintain an acceptable fluid balance?

Offer a prescribed antiemetic medication. When calculating the intake and output of a client, it is essential to understand that the normal average intake is 2500 mL in adults. Ranges are often noted at 1800 to 3000 mL. Because the client is vomiting, offering a prescribed antiemetic medication would decrease the output from emesis and increase the input as the client may be more accepting of oral fluids. The client should be encouraged more oral intake once vomiting has subsided, but if not possible, intravenous fluids should be increased to avoid dehydration A fluid restriction could cause dehydration. Removing the Hemovac will decrease documented output but may lead to an internal infection from fluid accumulation.

A client comes to the emergency department with status asthmaticus. His respiratory rate is 48 breaths/minute, and he is wheezing. An arterial blood gas analysis reveals a pH of 7.52, a partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) of 30 mm Hg, PaO2 of 70 mm Hg, and bicarbonate (HCO3??') of 26 mEq/L. What disorder is indicated by these findings?

Respiratory alkalosis Respiratory alkalosis results from alveolar hyperventilation. It's marked by a decrease in PaCO2 to less than 35 mm Hg and an increase in blood pH over 7.45. Metabolic acidosis is marked by a decrease in HCO3? to less than 22 mEq/L, and a decrease in blood pH to less than 7.35. In respiratory acidosis, the pH is less than 7.35 and the PaCO2 is greater than 45 mm Hg. In metabolic alkalosis, the HCO3? is greater than 26 mEq/L and the pH is greater than 7.45.

A patient with diabetes insipidus presents to the emergency room for treatment of dehydration. The nurse knows to review serum laboratory results for which of the diagnostic indicators?

Sodium level of 150 mEq/L

A client has been admitted to the hospital unit with signs and symptoms of hypovolemia; however, the client has not lost weight. The client exhibits a localized enlargement of her abdomen. What condition could the client be presenting?

Third spacing. Third-spacing describes the translocation of fluid from the intravascular or intercellular space to tissue compartments, where it becomes trapped and useless. The client manifests signs and symptoms of hypovolemia with the exception of weight loss. There may be signs of localized enlargement of organ cavities (such as the abdomen) if they fill with fluid, a condition referred to as ascites. Pitting edema occurs when indentations remain in the skin after compression. Anasarca is another term for generalized edema, or brawny edema, in which the interstitial spaces fill with fluid. Hypovolemia (fluid volume deficit) refers to a low volume of extracellular fluid.

Respiratory alkalosis

a clinical condition in which the arterial pH is greater than 7.45 and the PaCO2 is less than 38 mm Hg

Respiratory acidosis

a clinical disorder in which the pH is less than 7.35 and the PaCO2 is greater than 42 mm Hg and a compensatory increase in the plasma HCO3 occurs

Metabolic alkalosis

a clinical disturbance characterized by a high pH (decreased H+ concentration) and a high plasma bicarbonate concentration

A client admitted with acute anxiety has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) values: pH, 7.55; partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2), 90 mm Hg; partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2), 27 mm Hg; and bicarbonate (HCO3-), 24 mEq/L. Based on these values, the nurse suspects:

respiratory alkalosis.