Fluids and Electrolytes NCLEX
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 deficient fluid volume? A. A client with a colostomy B. A client with congestive heart failure C. A client with decreased kidney function D. A client receiving frequent wound irrigations
A Causes of deficient fluid volume include vomiting, diarrhea, conditions that cause increased respirations or increased urinary output, insufficient IV fluid replacement, draining fistulas, and the presence of an ileostomy or colostomy. A client with congestive heart failure or decreased kidney function, or a client receiving frequent wound irrigations, is at risk for excess fluid volume.
A client is receiving an intravenous magnesium infusion to correct a serum level of 1.1 mEq/L. Which of the following assessments would alert the nurse to immediately stop the infusion? A. Absent patellar reflex B. Diarrhea C. Premature ventricular contractions D. Increase in blood pressure
A Clinical manifestations of hypermagnesemia are the result of depressed neuromuscular transmission. Absent reflexes indicate a magnesium level around 7 mEq/L. Diarrhea and PVCs are not clinical manifestations of high magnesium levels. Hypermagnesemia causes hypotension.
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: A. Apples B. Carrots C. Spinach D. Avocado
A
A nurse is assessing a client with a suspected diagnosis of hypocalcemia. Which of the following clinical manifestations would the nurse expect to note in the client? A. Twitching B. Negative Trousseau's sign C. Hypoactive bowel sounds D. Hypoactive deep tendon reflexes
A
A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory 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? A. Prolonged bed rest B. Renal insufficiency C. Hyperparathyroidism D. Excessive ingestion of vitamin D
A
A nurse reviews a client's laboratory report and notes that the client's serum phosphorus level is 2.0 mg/dL. Which condition most likely caused this serum phosphorus level? A. Alcoholism B. Renal insufficiency C. Hypoparathyroidism D. Tumor lysis syndrome
A
The nurse is caring for a bedridden client admitted with multiple myeloma and a serum calcium level of 13 mg/dl. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action? A. Provide passive ROM exercises and encourage fluid intake B. Teach the client to increase intake of whole grains and nuts C. Place a tracheostomy tray at the bedside D. Administer calcium gluconate IM as ordered
A
The nurse evaluates which of the following clients to be at risk for developing hypernatremia? A. 50-year-old with pneumonia, diaphoresis, and high fevers(Missed) B. 62-year-old with congestive heart failure taking loop diuretics C. 39-year-old with diarrhea and vomiting D. 60-year-old with lung cancer and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)
A Diaphoresis and a high fever can lead to free water loss through the skin, resulting in hypernatremia. Loop diuretics are more likely to result in a hypovolemic hyponatremia. Diarrhea and vomiting cause both sodium and water losses. Clients with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) have hyponatremia, due to increased water reabsorption in the renal tubules.
The nurse assists a client with a serum potassium of 3.2 mEq/L to make which of the following menu selections? Select all that apply. A. Baked cod B. Ham and cheese omelet C. Fried eggs D. Baked potato E. Spinach
A, D, E
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 (6) hours. C. Weigh the client weekly, first thing in the morning. D. Change the IV tubing every three (3) days. E. Monitor intake and output every shift.
A,B,E
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? A. The client with renal failure B. The client who is taking diuretics C. The client with hyperaldosteronism D. The client who is taking corticosteroids
B
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? A. The client taking diuretics B. The client with renal failure C. The client with an ileostomy D. The client who requires gastrointestinal suctioning
B
A client admitted with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung has a serum calcium level of 14 mg/dl. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid which of the following foods upon discharge? Select all that apply. A. Eggs B. Broccoli C. Organ meats D. Nuts E. Canned salmon
B, D, E Clients with lung or breast cancer often have elevated calcium levels due to tumor-induced hyperparathyroidism.
A client who is admitted with malnutrition and anorexia secondary to chemotherapy is also exhibiting generalized edema. The client asks the nurse for an explanation for the edema. Which of the following is the most appropriate response by the nurse? A. "The fluid is an adverse reaction to chemotherapy." B. "A decrease in activity has allowed extra fluid to accumulate in the tissues." C. "Poor nutrition has caused decreased blood protein levels, and fluid has moved from the blood vessels into the tissues." D. "Chemotherapy has increased your blood pressure, and fluid was forced out into the tissues."
C
A client with a recent thyroidectomy complains of numbness and tingling around the mouth. Which of the following findings indicates the serum calcium is low? A. Bone pain B. Depressed deep tendon reflexes C. Positive Chvostek's sign D. Nausea
C
A client with a small bowel obstruction has had an NG tube connected to low intermittent suction for two days. The nurse should monitor for clinical manifestations of which acid-base disorder? A. Respiratory alkalosis B. Respiratory acidosis C. Metabolic alkalosis D. Metabolic acidosis
C
The client has been vomiting and has had numerous episodes of diarrhea. Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor? A. Serum calcium. B. Serum phosphorus. C. Serum potassium. D. Serum sodium
C
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 would be a cause for these findings? A. Overhydration. B. Anemia. C. Dehydration. D. Renal failure
C
The client who has undergone an exploratory laparotomy and subsequent removal of a large intestinal tumor has a nasogastric tube (NGT) in place and an IV running at 150 mL/hr via an IV pump. Which data should be reported to the health care provider? A. The pump keeps sounding an alarm that the high pressure has been reached. B. Intake is 1800 mL, NGT output is 550 mL, and Foley output 950 mL. C. On auscultation, crackles and rales in all lung fields are noted. D. Client has negative pedal edema and an increasing level of consciousness.
C
A client with a serum sodium of 115 mEq/L has been receiving 3% NS at 50 ml/hr for 16 hours. This morning the client feels tired and short of breath. Which of the following interventions is a priority? A. Turn down the infusion B. Check the latest sodium level C. Assess for signs of fluid overload D. Place a call to the physician
C A complication of hypertonic sodium solution administration is fluid overload. While turning down the infusion, checking the latest sodium level, and notifying the physician may all be reasonable, the priority intervention is to assess for manifestations of fluid overload. Assessment is always the priority to determine what action to take next
A nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube. Nasogastric tube irrigations are prescribed to be performed once every shift. The client's serum electrolyte results indicate a potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L and a sodium level of 132 mEq/L. Based on these laboratory findings, the nurse selects which solution to use for the nasogastric tube irrigation? A. Tap water B. Sterile water C. Sodium chloride D. Distilled water
C A sodium level of 132 mEq/L is low, indicating hyponatremia. In clients with hyponatremia, sodium chloride (isotonic) should be used rather than water for gastrointestinal irrigations.
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 additional signs would the nurse expect to note in this client if excess fluid volume is present? A. Weight loss B. Flat neck and hand veins C. An increase in blood pressure D. A decreased central venous pressure (CVP)
C Assessment findings associated with excess fluid volume include cough, dyspnea, crackles, tachypnea, tachycardia, an elevated blood pressure and a bounding pulse, an elevated CVP, weight gain, edema, neck and hand vein distention, altered level of consciousness, and a decreased hematocrit. Options A, B, and D identify signs noted in deficient fluid volume.
A client with heart failure is complaining of nausea. The client has received IV furosemide (Lasix), and the urine output has been 2500 ml over the past 12 hours. The client's home drugs include metoprolol (Lopressor), digoxin (Lanoxin), furosemide, and multivitamins. Which of the following are the appropriate nursing actions before administering the digoxin? Select all that apply. A. Administer an antiemetic prior to giving the digoxin B. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake C. Call the physician D. Report the urine output E. Report indications of nausea
C. Call the physician D. Report the urine output E. Report indications of nausea Potassium is lost during diuresis with a loop diuretic such as furosemide (Lasix). Hypokalemia can cause digitalis toxicity, which often results in nausea. The physician should be notified, and digoxin should be held until potassium levels and digoxin levels are checked
A client with COPD feels short of breath after walking to the bathroom on 2 liters of oxygen nasal cannula. The morning's ABGs were pH of 7.36, PaCO2 of 62, HCO3 of 35 mEq/L, O2 at 88% on 2 liters. Which of the following should be the nurse's first intervention? A. Call the physician and report the change in client's condition B. Turn the client's O2 up to 4 liters nasal cannula C. Encourage the client to sit down and to take deep breaths D. Encourage the client to rest and to use pursed-lip breathing technique
D
A client with chronic renal failure receiving dialysis complains of frequent constipation. When performing discharge teaching, which over-the-counter products should the nurse instruct the client to avoid at home? A. Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) suppository B. Fiber supplements C. Docusate sodium D. Milk of magnesia
D Milk of magnesia contains magnesium, an electrolyte that is excreted by kidneys. Clients with renal failure are at risk for hypermagnesemia, since their bodies cannot excrete the excess magnesium. The client should avoid magnesium-containing laxatives.
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? A. Obtaining a controlled IV infusion pump B. Monitoring urine output during administration C. Diluting in appropriate amount of normal saline D. Preparing the medication for bolus administration
D Potassium chloride administered intravenously must always be diluted in IV fluid and infused via a pump or controller. The usual concentration of IV potassium chloride is 20 to 40 mEq/L. Potassium chloride is never given by bolus (IV push). Giving potassium chloride by IV push can result in cardiac arrest.
A client is receiving intravenous potassium supplementation in addition to maintenance fluids. The urine output has been 120 ml every 8 hours for the past 16 hours and the next dose is due. Before administering the next potassium dose, which of the following is the priority nursing action? A. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake B. Administer the dose as ordered C. Draw a potassium level and administer the dose if the level is low or normal D. Notify the physician of the urine output and hold the dose
D Urine output is an indication of renal function. Normal urine output is at least 30 ml/hour. Clients with impaired renal function are at risk for hyperkalemia. Initiating a lab draw requires a physician order.
A client with chronic renal failure reports a 10 pound weight loss over 3 months and has had difficulty taking calcium supplements. The total calcium is 6.9 mg/dl. Which of the following would be the first nursing action? A. Assess for depressed deep tendon reflexes B. Call the physician to report calcium level C. Place an intravenous catheter in anticipation of administering calcium gluconate D. Check to see if a serum albumin level is available
D. A client with chronic renal failure who reports a 10 pound weight loss over 3 months and has difficulty taking calcium supplements is poorly nourished and likely to have hypoalbuminemia. A drop in serum albumin will result in a false low total calcium level
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: A. Has renal failure. B. Requires nasogastric suction. C. Has a history of Addison's disease. D. Is taking a potassium-sparing diuretic.
B The client with renal failure or Addison's disease and the client taking a potassium-sparing diuretic are at risk for hyperkalemia.
The client post-thyroidectomy complains of numbness and tingling around the mouth and the tips of the fingers. Which intervention should be implemented first? A. Notify the health care provider immediately. B. Tap the cheek about two (2) centimeters anterior to the ear lobe. C. Check the serum calcium and magnesium levels. D. Prepare to administer calcium gluconate IVP.
B
The nurse should include which of the following instructions to assist in controlling phosphorus levels for a client in renal failure? A. Increase intake of dairy products and nuts B. Take aluminum-based antacids such as aluminum hydroxide (Amphojel) with or after meals C. Reduce intake of chocolate, meats, and whole grains D. Avoid calcium supplements
B
The nurse should monitor for clinical manifestations of hypophosphatemia in which of the following clients? A. A client with osteoporosis taking vitamin D and calcium supplements B. A client who is alcoholic receiving total parenteral nutrition C. A client with chronic renal failure awaiting the first dialysis run D. A client with hypoparathyroidism secondary to thyroid surgery
B
The nurse writes the nursing problem of "fluid volume excess" (FVE). Which intervention should be included in the plan of care? A. Change the IV fluid from 0.9% NS to D5W. B. Restrict the client's sodium in the diet. C. Monitor blood glucose levels. D. Prepare the client for hemodialysis.
B
Which of the following assessment findings would indicate to the nurse that a client's diabetic ketoacidosis is deteriorating? A. Deep tendon reflexes decreasing from +2 to +1 B. Bicarbonate rising from 20 mEq/L to 22 mEq/L C. Urine pH less than 6 D. Serum potassium decreasing from 6.0 mEq/L to 4.5 mEq/L
A A decrease in deep tendon reflexes is a sign that pH is dropping and that metabolic acidosis is worsening to diabetic ketoacidosis
The nurse is admitting a client with a potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L. The nurse reports this finding as a result of A. Acute renal failure. B. Malabsorption syndrome. C. Nasogastric drainage. D. Laxative abuse
A A serum potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L is indicative of acute renal failure.
The telemetry monitor technician notifies the nurse of the morning telemetry readings. Which client should the nurse assess first? A. The client in normal sinus rhythm with a peaked T wave. B. The client diagnosed with atrial fibrillation with a rate of 100. C. The client diagnosed with a myocardial infarction who has occasional PVC. D. The client with a first-degree AV block and a rate of 92.
A A. (correct) A client with a peaked wave could be experiencing hyperkalemia. Changes in potassium levels can initiate cardiac dysrhythmias and instability. B. (incorrect) Fluctuations in rate are expected in clients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, and a heart rate of 100 is at the edge of a normal rate. C. (incorrect) Most people experience an occasional premature ventricular contraction (PVC); this would not warrant the nurse assessing this client first. D. (incorrect) A first-degree block is not an immediate problem.
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 understands that this type of fluid loss can occur through: A. The skin B. Urinary output C. Wound drainage D. The gastrointestinal tract
A Sensible losses are those of which the person is aware, such as through wound drainage, gastrointestinal tract losses, and urination. Insensible losses may occur without the person's awareness. Insensible losses occur daily through the skin and the lungs.
The nurse is caring for a client who has been in good health up to the present and is admitted with cellulitis of the hand. The client's serum potassium level was 4.5 mEq/L yesterday. Today the level is 7 mEq/L. Which of the following is the next appropriate nursing action? A. Call the physician and report results B. Question the results and redraw the specimen C. Encourage the client to increase the intake of bananas D. Initiate seizure precautions
B A client who has been in good health up to the present is admitted for cellulitis of the hands. When the serum potassium goes from 4.5 mEq/L to 7.0 mEq/L with no risk factors for hyperkalemia, false high results should be suspected because of hemolysis of the specimen
A client is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis who, with treatment, has a normal blood glucose, pH, and serum osmolality. During assessment, the client complains of weakness in the legs. Which of the following is a priority nursing intervention? A. Request a physical therapy consult from the physician B. Ensure the client is safe from falls and check the most recent potassium level C. Allow uninterrupted rest periods throughout the day D. Encourage the client to increase intake of dairy products and green leafy vegetables
B In the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, the blood sugar is lowered, the pH is corrected, and potassium moves back into the cells, resulting in low serum potassium. Client safety and the correction of low potassium levels are a priority. The weakness in the legs is a clinical manifestation of the hypokalemia. Dairy products and green, leafy vegetables are a source of calcium.
A client who had a recent surgery has been vomiting and becomes dizzy while standing up to go to the bathroom. After assisting the client back to bed, the nurse notes that the blood pressure is 55/30 and the pulse is 140. The nurse hangs which of the following IV fluids to correct this condition? A. D5.45 NS at 50 ml/hr B. 0.9 NS at an open rate C. D5W at 125 ml/hr D. 0.45 NS at open rate
B A client who recently had surgery, is vomiting, becomes dizzy when standing up, has a blood pressure of 55/30, and has a pulse of 140 is hypovolemic and requires plasma volume expansion. Isotonic fluids such as 0.9 NS will expand volume. Hypotonic fluids such as 0.45 NS will leave the intravascular space. D5W will metabolize into free water and leave the intravascular space. D5.45 NS is a good maintenance fluid but a rate of 50 ml per hour is not sufficient to expand the vascular volume quickly.
A client with hypoparathyroidism complains of numbness and tingling in his fingers and around the mouth. The nurse would assess for what electrolyte imbalance? A. Hyponatremia B. Hypocalcemia C. Hyperkalemia D. Hypermagnesemia
B Hypoparathyroidism can cause low serum calcium levels. Numbness and tingling in extremities and in the circumoral area around the mouth are the hallmark signs of hypocalcemia.
The nurse evaluates which of the following clients to have hypermagnesemia? A. A client who has chronic alcoholism and a magnesium level of 1.3 mEq/L B. A client who has hyperthyroidism and a magnesium level of 1.6 mEq/L C. A client who has renal failure, takes antacids, and has a magnesium level of 2.9 mEq/L D. A client who has congestive heart disease, takes a diuretic, and has a magnesium level of 2.3 mEq/L
C
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 that the 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 this client if hyponatremia were present? A. Dry skin B. Decreased urinary output C. Hyperactive bowel sounds D. Increased specific gravity of the urine
C Hyperactive bowel sounds indicate hyponatremia
A client with a potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L is to receive sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) orally. After administering the drug, the priority nursing action is to monitor A. Urine output. B. Blood pressure. C. Bowel movements. D. ECG for tall, peaked T waves.
C Kayexalate causes potassium to be exchanged for sodium in the intestines and excreted through bowel movements. If client does not have stools, the drug cannot work properly. Blood pressure and urine output are not of primary importance. The nurse would already expect changes in T waves with hyperkalemia.
Which statement best explains the scientific rationale for Kussmaul's respirations in the client diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)? A. The kidneys produce excess urine and the lungs try to compensate. B. The respirations increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. C. The lungs speed up to release carbon dioxide and increase the pH. D. The shallow and slow respirations will increase the HCO3 in the serum.
C The lungs attempt to increase the blood pH level by blowing off the carbon dioxide (carbonic acid).
A client with pneumonia presents with the following arterial blood gases: pH of 7.28, PaCO2 of 74, HCO3 of 28 mEq/L, and PO2 of 45, which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention? A. Administer a sedative B. Place client in left lateral position C. Place client in high-Fowler's position D. Assist the client to breathe into a paper bag
C in a state of respiratory acidosis. Placing the client in high-Fowler's position will facilitate the expansion of the lungs and help the client blow off the excess CO2. Sedatives would impede respirations. The question does not indicate which is the affected lung, so left lateral position would not be a first choice. Breathing into a paper bag will cause the PCO2 to rise higher.
A client with pancreatitis has been receiving potassium supplementation for four days since being admitted with a serum potassium of 3.0 mEq/L. Today the potassium level is 3.1 mEq/L. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse check before notifying the physician of the client's failure to respond to treatment? A. Sodium B. Phosphorus C. Calcium D. Magnesium
D
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 with this condition? A. Lung congestion B. Decreased hematocrit C. Increased blood pressure D. Decreased central venous pressure (CVP)
D
The nurse assesses a client to be experiencing muscle cramps, numbness, and tingling of the extremities, and twitching of the facial muscle and eyelid when the facial nerve is tapped. THe nurse reports this assessment as consistent with which of the following? A. Hypokalemia B. Hypernatremia C. Hypermagnesemia D. Hypocalcemia
D
Which of the following should the nurse include when preparing to teach a class on the regulation and functions of electrolytes? A. Sodium is essential to maintain intracellular fluid water balance B. Magnesium is essential to the function of muscle, red blood cells, and nervous system C. Less calcium is excreted with aging D. Chloride is lost in hydrochloride acid
D Sodium is essential to maintain extracellular fluid water balance. Phosphate is the major anion in intracellular fluid water balance that is essential in the function of muscle, red blood cells, and nervous system. A person tends to excrete more calcium with age. Chloride is lost through hydrochloride acid.
A client who suffers from an anxiety disorder is very upset, has a respiratory rate of 32, and is complaining of lightheadedness and tingling in the fingers. ABG values are pH of 7.48, PaCO2 of 29, HCO3 of 24, and O2 is at 93% on room air. The nurse performs which of the following as a priority nursing intervention? A. Monitor intake and output B. Encourage client to increase activity C. Institute deep breathing exercises every hour D. Provide reassurance to the client and administer sedatives
D A client who is anxious and upset, gets lightheaded, and has tingling in the fingers is in respiratory alkalosis. The arterial blood gases include a pH of 7.48, PaCO2 of 29, and HCO3 of 24. Administering sedatives will assist the client to slow breathe and retain more CO2, thus bringing the pH back into normal range
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? A. The client with colitis B. The client with Cushing's syndrome C. The client who has been overusing laxatives D. The client who has sustained a traumatic burn
D Clients who experience cellular shifting of potassium in the early stages of massive cell destruction, such as with trauma, burns, sepsis, or metabolic or respiratory acidosis, are at risk for hyperkalemia. The client with Cushing's syndrome or colitis and the client who has been overusing laxatives are at risk for hypokalemia.
The client is admitted with a serum sodium level of 110 mEq/L. Which nursing intervention should be implemented? A. Encourage fluids orally. B. Administer 10% saline solution IVPB. C. Administer antidiuretic hormone intranasally. D. Place on seizure precautions.
D Clients with sodium levels less than 120 mEq/L are at risk for seizures as a complication. The lower the sodium level, the greater the risk of a seizure.
