Fluid & Electrolytes Practice Questions

The nurse is caring for a client w CHF. On assessment, the nurse notes that the client is dyspneic and that crackles are audible on auscultation. The nurse suspects excess fluid volume. What additional signs would the nurse expect to note in this client if excess fluid volume is present?

An increase in BP

A nurse caring for a group of clients reviews the electrolyte lab results and notes a potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L on one client's lab report. The nurse understands that which client is at highest risk for the development of a potassium value at this level?

The client who has sustained a traumatic burn

A nurse is assigned to care for a group of patients. On review of the clients' medical records, the nurse determines that which client is at risk for deficient fluid volume?

a client w a colostomy

A nurse reviews a client's lab report and notes that the client's serum phosphorus level is 2.0 mg/dL. Which condition most likely caused this serum phosphorus level?

alcoholism

A nurse instructs a client at risk for hypokalemia about the foods high in potassium that should be included in the daily diet. The nurse determines that the client understands the food sources of potassium if the client states that the food item lowest in potassium is:

apples

A nurse caring for a client who has been receiving intravenous diuretics suspects that the client is experiencing a deficient fluid volume. Which assessment finding would the nurse note in a client w/ this condition?

decreased central venous pressure (CVP)

A nurse caring for a client w/ severe malnutrition reviews the lab results and notes a magnesium level of 1.0 mg/dL. Which ECG change would the nurse expect to note based on the magnesium level?

depressed ST segment

A nurse is caring for a client with acute CHF who is receiving high doses of a diuretic. On assessment, the nurse notes that the client has flat neck veins, generalized muscle weakness, and diminished DTR. The nurse suspects hyponatremia. What additional signs would the nurse expect to note in this client if hyponatremia were present?

hyperactive bowel sounds

A nursing student needs to administer potassium chloride intravenously as prescribed to a client w 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 potassium?

preparing the med for bolus administration

A nurse is reviewing a client's lab report and notes that the serum calcium level is 4.0 mg/dL. The nurse understands that which condition most likely caused this serum calcium level?

prolonged bed rest

A nurse reviews a client's electrolyte lab 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?

prominent u waves

A nurse is preparing to care for a client w/ a potassium deficit. The nurse reviews the client's record and determines that the client was at risk for developing the potassium deficit b/c the client:

requires NG suction

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 result of the laboratory value?

tall peaked T waves

A nurse is assigned to care for a group of clients. On review of the clients' medical records, the nurse determines that which client is at risk for excess fluid volume?

the client w/ renal failure

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 approx. 800 mL daily". The nurse understands that this type of fluid loss can occur through:

the skin