Physiology of Electrolyte Balance

Which electrolyte supplement is most important for the nurse to include in the teaching session for a patient who is recovering from a broken bone? Sodium Potassium Calcium Magnesium

Calcium Calcium provides the building blocks for bones and teeth. Therefore, the nurse should advise calcium supplement for a patient who is recovering from a broken bone.

Match the electrolyte with the correct normal range. 135-145 mEq/LSodium (Na+) 8.5-10.5 mg/dL or 4-5 mEq/LCalcium (Ca2+) 1.3-2.1 mEq/LMagnesium (Mg2+) 1.7-2.6 mEq/LPhosphate (PO4 3 −)

135-145 mEq/LSodium (Na+) 8.5-10.5 mg/dL or 4-5 mEq/LCalcium (Ca2+) 1.3-2.1 mEq/LMagnesium (Mg2+) 1.7-2.6 mEq/LPhosphate (PO4 3 −)

Which body substance is most commonly used to measure the concentration of electrolytes in milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L)? Urine Blood plasma Cerebrospinal fluid Insulin

Answer: Blood plasma Explanation: Urine While electrolytes can be measured in many body substances, including urine, this is not the most commonly used body substance. Blood plasma Electrolytes are most commonly measured in blood plasma or serum. Cerebrospinal fluid While electrolytes can be measured in many body substances, including the cerebrospinal fluid, this is not the most commonly used body substance. Insulin Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas. The concentration of electrolytes is not measured in this body substance.

The nurse is providing education to a patient who is diagnosed with osteoporosis who asks, "Is there anything I can take over-the-counter to treat this condition?" Which supplements should the nurse include in the response? Select all that apply. Potassium Calcium Magnesium Glucose Sodium

Calcium Calcium provides the building blocks for bones and teeth. Therefore, this should be included in the teaching session with the patient. Magnesium Magnesium helps maintain blood calcium levels and is incorporated into bone structure. If the patient does not have much dietary magnesium intake and has normal renal function, this could be included in the teaching session.

The nursing student is presenting information related to the movement of electrolytes to fellow classmates. Which process should the nursing student state as moving electrolytes within a body compartment by random movements? Diffusion Facilitated diffusion Active transport Sodium-potassium pump

Diffusion Diffusion moves electrolytes within a body compartment by random movements.

The nurse is providing care to a patient with decreased levels of serum potassium caused by excessive hormone action that shifts potassium into cells. Which hormone should the nurse expect to be elevated in the laboratory report? Insulin Parathyroid hormone Glucocorticoids Sodium

Insulin Insulin moves potassium into cells. Excessive insulin can decrease serum potassium levels.

The student nurse is preparing a presentation regarding the sodium-potassium pump. Which statement should the student include in the presentation? Select all that apply. "ATP is required for the sodium-potassium pump to move sodium and potassium ions." "This pump moves sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell." "The sodium-potassium pump is an example of facilitated diffusion." "This pump is an example of diffusion, which evenly exchanges sodium and potassium ions." "This pump moves three sodium ions for every two potassium ions."

"ATP is required for the sodium-potassium pump to move sodium and potassium ions." ATP is required for the active transport process. The sodium-potassium pump is a type of active transport process and requires ATP to move sodium and potassium ions. "This pump moves sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell." The sodium-potassium pump moves sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell. "This pump moves three sodium ions for every two potassium ions." The sodium-potassium pump is an example of active transport, which moves three sodium ions for every two potassium ions.

A patient diagnosed with high blood pressure asks, "Why do I have to monitor my salt intake?" Which explanation should the nurse include in the response to this patient? "Sodium has a diuretic effect. You should increase the amount you consume so that you will get rid of extra fluid and decrease your blood pressure." "Sodium helps to maintain blood pressure. Since your blood pressure is high, you should decrease your sodium intake." "Sodium affects the electrical activity within your heart. Decreasing your sodium intake will allow your heart to pump more effectively and decrease your blood pressure." "Sodium is the main ingredient in salt; however, sodium does not influence your blood pressure. I think the doctor told you to monitor your potassium intake instead."

"Sodium helps to maintain blood pressure. Since your blood pressure is high, you should decrease your sodium intake." The main ingredient in salt is sodium, which plays a role in maintaining blood pressure. A decrease in sodium intake decreases the fluid in the body; therefore, it decreases blood pressure.

Which statement regarding electrolyte movement from one compartment to another should the nursing student include in a class presentation? "The movement of electrolytes is necessary to maintain the process of diffusion." "The move of electrolytes is necessary to facilitate active transport." "The movement of electrolytes is necessary to maintain fluid balance." "The movement of electrolytes is necessary to preserve their distribution."

"The movement of electrolytes is necessary to preserve their distribution." Electrolyte distribution is part of electrolyte homeostasis. Physiological distribution of electrolytes is necessary for cells, and thus the organ systems, to function normally.

The nurse is educating a patient regarding the normal levels of potassium within the blood. Which response by the patient indicates correct understanding of the information presented? "The normal range for potassium is 135-145 mEq/L." "The normal range for potassium is 3.5-5 mEq/L." "The normal range of potassium is 4.0-5.0 mEq/L." "The normal range of potassium is 1.3-2.1 mEq/L."

"The normal range for potassium is 3.5-5 mEq/L." This is the normal range for potassium and indicates correct understanding of the information presented.

A patient has developed a clot in a coronary artery and the heart muscle cells did not make enough ATP. When a nursing student asks, what should the nurse explain about the effect of a poor ATP supply on electrolyte movement? There should be no effect because electrolytes move in and out of cells by facilitated diffusion. Diffusion of electrolytes will be impaired but active transport should continue normally. Active transport will be impaired, so the sodium-potassium pumps will not work normally. There should be no effect because electrolytes do not move once they are inside cells.

Active transport will be impaired, so the sodium-potassium pumps will not work normally. Active transport requires ATP. Sodium-potassium pumps move sodium and potassium across cell membranes by active transport. This process will be impaired with low ATP.

Which statement is true about the regulation of electrolytes? Calcium is regulated by the parathyroid hormone. Magnesium is regulated by the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). Phosphate is regulated by aldosterone. Sodium is regulated by vitamin D.

Answer: Calcium is regulated by the parathyroid hormone. Explanation: Calcium is regulated by the parathyroid hormone. Calcitonin moves calcium out of bone, when needed, and decreases calcium excretion. Magnesium is regulated by the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). ANP regulates the sodium content in the body, not the magnesium content. Phosphate is regulated by aldosterone. Phosphate is regulated by the parathyroid gland and other factors that influence renal excretion. Sodium is regulated by vitamin D. Sodium is regulated by secretion of aldosterone and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). Vitamin D plays a role in the regulation of calcium.

Which electrolyte is the principal cation in the intracellular fluid (ICF) compartment? Sodium Phosphate Potassium Calcium

Answer: Potassium Explanation: Sodium Sodium is the major extracellular fluid (ECF) compartment cation. Phosphate Phosphate, although found in the ICF compartment, is negatively charged; therefore, it is an anion. It is, however, the most abundant anion in the ICF compartment. Potassium Potassium is the most abundant cation found in the ICF compartment. Calcium Calcium is a cation; however, it is not the most abundant in the ICF or the ECF compartment.

Which is the reason for the movement of electrolytes from one compartment to another compartment in the body? To maintain the process of diffusion To facilitate active transport To balance the fluids To preserve electrolyte distribution

Answer: To preserve electrolyte distribution Explanation: To maintain the process of diffusion The transport of electrolytes may occur by active transport, but this is not the reason for the transport of electrolytes from one compartment to another within the body. To facilitate active transport The transport of electrolytes may occur by diffusion, but this is not the reason for the transport of electrolytes from one compartment to another within the body. To balance the fluids Fluids are the solvent in which the electrolytes may move and will be affected by the concentration of electrolytes. But this does not specifically address why electrolytes move from one compartment to another compartment. To preserve electrolyte distribution Electrolyte distribution is part of electrolyte homeostasis. Physiological distribution of electrolytes is necessary for cells, and thus the organ systems, to function normally.

Which component is necessary for active transport of electrolytes to occur? Adenosine triphosphate Sodium-potassium pump High to low concentration gradient Open ion channel

Answer: Adenosine triphosphate Explanation: Adenosine triphosphate Adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, is a necessary energy source for active transport of electrolytes to occur. Sodium-potassium pump The sodium-potassium pump is an example of active transport of electrolytes. It is not a necessary component for the active transport of all electrolytes. High to low concentration gradient A concentration gradient of high to low is how solutes are moved by diffusion. This is not a necessary component for active transport. Open ion channel An open ion channel is required for facilitated diffusion, not active transport.

The nursing student is presenting information related to the movement of electrolytes to fellow classmates. Which process should the nursing student state as moving electrolytes within a body compartment by random movements? Diffusion Facilitated diffusion Active transport Sodium-potassium pump

Answer: Diffusion Explanation: Diffusion Diffusion moves electrolytes within a body compartment by random movements. Facilitated diffusion Facilitated diffusion requires a carrier, such as protein, to carry the solute across a membrane from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. Active transport Active transport is the transport of a solute from areas of lower to higher concentration. Sodium-potassium pump The sodium-potassium pump is an example of active transport. This pump moves sodium out of the cells and potassium into the cells.

Which serum electrolyte value in a patient should the nurse interpret as within normal limits? Sodium: 150 mEq/L Potassium: 4 mEq/L Calcium: 11 mg/dL Magnesium: 2.5 mEq/L

Answer: Potassium: 4 mEq/L Explanation: Sodium: 150 mEq/L The normal range for serum sodium is 135 to 145 mEq/L. This sodium level is not within normal limits. Potassium: 4 mEq/L The normal range of serum potassium is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. This potassium level is within normal limits. Calcium: 11 mg/dL The normal range for serum calcium is 8.5 to 10 mg/dL. This calcium level is not within normal limits. Magnesium: 2.5 mEq/L The normal range for serum magnesium is 1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L. This magnesium level is not within normal limits.

Which electrolyte may require the use of insulin for regulation and homeostasis? Sodium Potassium Calcium Phosphate

Answers: Potassium Explanation: Sodium Sodium is predominantly regulated by the action of hormones on the kidneys. Potassium Insulin moves potassium into cells. Calcium Calcium is predominantly regulated by the parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, and vitamin D. Phosphate Phosphate is predominately regulated by factors that act on the kidneys.

Which statements regarding the sodium-potassium pump are true? Select all that apply. The pump moves sodium out of the cells and potassium into the cells. This pump is an example of facilitated diffusion. This pump is an example of active transport. The pump moves three sodium ions for every two potassium ions. The pump keeps the ECF lower in sodium and higher in potassium than the ICF.

Answers: The pump moves sodium out of the cells and potassium into the cells. This pump is an example of active transport. The pump moves three sodium ions for every two potassium ions. Explanation: The pump moves sodium out of the cells and potassium into the cells. The sodium-potassium pump moves sodium out of the cells and potassium into the cells. This is a true statement. This pump is an example of facilitated diffusion. The sodium-potassium pump is not an example of facilitated diffusion. This statement is false. This pump is an example of active transport. The sodium-potassium pump is an example of active transport. This is a true statement. The pump moves three sodium ions for every two potassium ions. The sodium-potassium pump moves three sodium ions for every two potassium ions. This is a true statement. The pump keeps the ECF lower in sodium and higher in potassium than the ICF. The sodium-potassium pump keeps the ICF lower in sodium and higher in potassium than the ECF. This statement is false.

Which elements should the nurse include when providing patient teaching regarding the primary functions of electrolytes within the body? Select all that apply. Transmitting nerve impulses Regulating acid-base balance Altering the action potential of nerve fibers Maintaining fluid osmolality Secreting insulin and epinephrine NOT SURE

Answers: Transmitting nerve impulses Regulating acid-base balance Altering the action potential of nerve fibers Maintaining fluid osmolality Explanation: Transmitting nerve impulses Transmitting nerve impulses is a primary function of electrolytes within the body. Regulating acid-base balance Regulating acid-base balance is a primary function of electrolytes within the body. Altering the action potential of nerve fibers Altering the action potential of nerve fibers is a primary function of electrolytes within the body. Maintaining fluid osmolality Maintaining fluid osmolality is a primary function of electrolytes within the body. Secreting insulin and epinephrine Secreting insulin and epinephrine is not a primary function of electrolytes. These hormones help to regulate the concentration of electrolytes in body fluids.

Which serum electrolyte value in a patient should the nurse interpret as within normal limits? Sodium: 150 mEq/L Potassium: 4 mEq/L Calcium: 11 mg/dL Magnesium: 2.5 mEq/L

Potassium: 4 mEq/L The normal range of serum potassium is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. This potassium level is within normal limits.

Match the electrolyte with its primary function. Provides the normal electrical activity of the heart Provides the building blocks for bones and teeth Influences function of neuromuscular junctions Incorporates into an energy source for cellular metabolism Calcium (Ca2+) Potassium (K+) Magnesium (Mg2+) Phosphate (PO4 3-)

Provides the normal electrical activity of the heartPotassium (K+) Provides the building blocks for bones and teethCalcium (Ca2+) Influences function of neuromuscular junctionsMagnesium (Mg2+) Incorporates into an energy source for cellular metabolismPhosphate (PO4 3-)

The nurse is monitoring serum electrolyte levels for a patient who was admitted to the emergency department with dehydration. Which data should the nurse report to the primary care provider as abnormal? Select all that apply. Serum Na+ of 150 mEq/L Serum K+ of 5.2 mEq/L Serum Ca2+ of 9 mg/dL Serum Mg2+ of 2 mEq/L Serum PO4 3- 2.9 mEq/L

Serum Na+ of 150 mEq/L The normal range for a serum Na+ is 135-145 mEq/L. This finding should be reported to the primary care provider. Serum K+ of 5.2 mEq/L The normal range of serum K+ is 3.5-5 mEq/L. This finding should be reported to the primary care provider. Serum PO43- 2.9 mEq/L The normal range for a serum PO4 3- is 1.7-2.6 mEq/L. This finding should be reported to the primary care provider.

Which elements should the nurse include when providing patient teaching regarding the primary functions of electrolytes within the body? Select all that apply. Transmitting nerve impulses Regulating acid-base balance Altering the action potential of nerve fibers Maintaining fluid osmolality Secreting insulin and epinephrine

Transmitting nerve impulses Transmitting nerve impulses is a primary function of electrolytes within the body. Regulating acid-base balance Regulating acid-base balance is a primary function of electrolytes within the body. Altering the action potential of nerve fibers Altering the action potential of nerve fibers is a primary function of electrolytes within the body. Maintaining fluid osmolality Maintaining fluid osmolality is a primary function of electrolytes within the body.