Fluids & Electrolytes Quiz

A patient complains of 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 patient's laboratory work has returned?

Calcium

The nurse is caring for a client with laboratory values indicating dehydration. Which clinical symptom is consistent with the dehydration?

Dark, concentrated urine

A nurse is caring for a client with metastatic breast cancer who is extremely lethargic and very slow to respond to stimuli. The laboratory report indicates a serum calcium level of 12.0 mg/dl, a serum potassium level of 3.9 mEq/L, a serum chloride level of 101 mEq/L, and a serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L. Based on this information, the nurse determines that the client's symptoms are most likely associated with which electrolyte imbalance?

Hypercalcemia

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

Monitoring respiratory status for signs and symptoms of pulmonary complications.

The nurse is reviewing client lab work for a critical lab value. Which value is called to the physician for additional orders?

Potassium: 5.8 mEq/L

A client with a suspected overdose of an unknown drug is admitted to the emergency department. Arterial blood gas values indicate respiratory acidosis. What should the nurse do first?

Prepare to assist with ventilation.

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

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

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

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with bulimia. The client is being treated for a serum potassium concentration of 2.9 mEq/L. Which statement made by the client indicates the need for further teaching?

"I can use laxatives and enemas but only once a week."

A client was admitted to the unit with a diagnosis of hypovolemia. When it is time to complete discharge teaching, which of the following will the nurse teach the client and family? Select all that apply.

*Drink at least eight glasses of fluid each day. *Respond to thirst *Drink water as an inexpensive way to meet fluid needs.

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

*HCO3 *PaCO2 *pH

Which is considered an isotonic solution?

0.9% normal saline

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

The nurse is assessing the client for the presence of a Chvostek sign. What electrolyte imbalance would a positive Chvostek sign indicate?

Hypocalcemia

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

Hypokalemia

The nurse is working on a burns unit and an acutely ill client is exhibiting signs and symptoms of third spacing. Based on this change in status, the nurse should expect the client to exhibit signs and symptoms of what imbalance?

Hypovolemia

While assessing a client's peripheral IV site, the nurse observes edema around the insertion site. How should the nurse document this complication related to IV therapy?

Infiltration

Treatment of fluid volume excess (FVE) involves dietary restriction of sodium. Which of the following food choices would be part of a low-sodium diet, mild restriction (2 to 3 g/day)?

Three ounces of light or dark meat chicken, 1 cup of spaghetti and a garden salad

A client who is being treated for pneumonia reports sudden shortness of breath. An arterial blood gas (ABG) is drawn. The ABG has the following values: pH 7.21, PaCO2 64 mm Hg, HCO3 = 24 mm Hg. What does the ABG reflect?

Respiratory acidosis

The nurse is caring for a client with severe hypokalemia. The physician has ordered IV potassium to be administered at 10 mEq/hr. The client complains of burning along his vein. What should the nurse do?

Seek a physician's order to further dilute the infusion.

Which of the following electrolytes is the primary determinant of extracellular fluid (ECF) osmolality?

Sodium

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?

electrocardiogram (ECG) results

Clients diagnosed with hypervolemia should avoid sweet or dry food because it

increases the client's desire to consume fluid.

Fluid and electrolyte balance is maintained through the process of translocation (movement fluids/chemicals back and forth). What specific process allows water to pass through a membrane from a dilute to a more concentrated area?

osmosis