Hinkle Chapter 13: Fluid and Electrolytes: Balance and Disturbance
A client who is semiconscious presents with restlessness and weakness. The nurse assesses a dry, swollen tongue; body temperature of 99.3 °F; and a urine specific gravity of 1.020. What is the most likely serum sodium value for this client?
165 mEq/L The normal sodium level is 135- 145 mEq/L (135-145 mmol/L). In hypernatremia, the serum sodium level exceeds 145 mEq/L (145 mmol/L) and the serum osmolality exceeds 300 mOsm/kg (300 mmol/L). The urine specific gravity and urine osmolality are increased as the kidneys attempt to conserve water (provided the water loss is from a route other than the kidneys). Body temperature may increase mildly, but it returns to normal after the hypernatremia is corrected.
What percentage of potassium excreted daily leaves the body by way of the kidneys?
80 To maintain the potassium balance, the renal system must function, because 80% of the potassium excreted daily leaves the body by way of the kidneys. The other numerical values are incorrect.
A volume-depleted patient would present with which of the following diagnostic lab results?
BUN to creatinine ratio 24:1 A BUN-to-serum creatinine concentration ratio greater than 20:1 is indicative of volume depletion. The other results are within normal range.
Which of the following is a clinical manifestation of fluid volume excess (FVE)? Select all that apply.
Distended neck veins Crackles in the lung fields Shortness of breath Clinical manifestations of FVE include distended neck veins, crackles in the lung fields, shortness of breath, increased blood pressure, and tachycardia.
What clinical indication of hyperphosphatemia does the nurse assess in a patient?
tetany Tetany is a symptom of hyperphosphatemia. Bone pain, paresthesia, and seizures are associated with hypophosphatemia.
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 Arterial blood gas (ABG) results are the main tool for measuring blood pH, CO2 content (PaCO2), and bicarbonate. An acid-base imbalance may accompany a fluid and electrolyte imbalance. PaO2 and PO2 are not indications of acid-base imbalance. Carbonic acid levels are not shown in an ABG.
A client has been diagnosed with an intestinal obstruction and has a nasogastric tube set to low continuous suction. Which acid-base disturbance is this client at risk for developing?
metabolic alkalosis Metabolic alkalosis is a clinical disturbance characterized by a high pH and a high plasma bicarbonate concentration. The most common cause of metabolic alkalosis is vomiting or gastric suction with loss of hydrogen and chloride ions. Gastric fluid has an acid pH, and loss of this acidic fluid increases the alkalinity of body fluids.
A client weighing 160 pounds (72.6 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?
158 lbs (71.7 kg) A loss of 0.5 kg, or 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 lbs (0.9 kg), bringing the client's weight to 158 lbs (71.7 kg).
A nurse is providing an afternoon shift report and relates morning assessment findings to the oncoming nurse. Which daily assessment data is necessary to determine changes in the client's hypervolemia status?
weight Daily weight provides the ability to monitor fluid status. A 2-lb (0.9 kg) weight gain in 24 hours indicates that the client is retaining 1 L of fluid. Also, the loss of weight can indicate a decrease in edema. Vital signs do not always reflect fluid status. Edema could represent a shift of fluid within body spaces and not a change in weight. Intake and output do not account for unexplainable fluid loss.
The nurse is instructing a client with recurrent hyperkalemia about following a potassium-restricted diet. Which statement by the client indicates the need for additional instruction?
"I will not salt my food; instead I will use a salt substitute". The client should avoid salt substitutes. The nurse must caution clients to use salt substitutes sparingly if they are taking other supplementary forms of potassium or potassium-conserving diuretics. Potassium-rich foods to be avoided include many fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole-grain breads, lean meat, milk, eggs, coffee, tea, and cocoa. Conversely, foods with minimal potassium content include butter, margarine, cranberry juice or sauce, ginger ale, gumdrops or jellybeans, hard candy, root beer, sugar, and honey. Labels of cola beverages must be checked carefully because some are high in potassium and some are not.
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 Hyponatremia occurs when the serum sodium level dips below 135 mEq/L. When serum sodium levels fall below *115mEq/L*, mental confusion, muscular weakness, anorexia, restlessness, elevated body temperature, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, personality changes, convulsions, or coma can occur. A serum sodium level of 148 mEq/L would indicate hypernatremia. Normal serum concentration levels range from 135 to 145 mEq/L.
A patient's serum sodium concentration is within the normal range. What should the nurse estimate the serum osmolality to be?
275-300 mOsm/kg In healthy adults, normal serum osmolality is 270 to 300 mOsm/kg (Crawford & Harris, 2011c).
A client experiencing a severe anxiety attack and hyperventilating presents to the emergency department. The nurse would expect the client's pH value to be
7.50 The patient is experiencing respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis is a clinical condition in which the arterial pH is >7.45 and the PaCO2 is <38 mm Hg. Respiratory alkalosis is always caused by hyperventilation, which causes excessive "blowing off" of CO2 and, hence, a decrease in the plasma carbonic acid concentration. Causes include extreme anxiety, hypoxemia, early phase of salicylate intoxication, gram-negative bacteremia, and inappropriate ventilator settings.
It is important for a nurse to know how to calculate the corrected serum calcium level for a patient when hypocalcemia is seen along with low serum albumin levels. Calculate the corrected serum calcium when the serum calcium is 9 mg/dL and the serum albumin is 3 g/dL.
9.8 mg/dL To calculate corrected serum calcium, subtract the normal serum albumin level of 4 g/dL from the reported albumin level of 3 g/dL, multiply that value (1) by 0.8 (constant factor) and then add that result (0.8 mg) to the reported serum level of 9 mg/dL. Therefore, 9 + 0.8 = 9.8 mg/dL (corrected value). Note: a constant factor of 0.8 is used because, for every decrease in serum albumin of 1 g/dL below 4 g/dL, the total serum calcium level is underestimated by 0.8 mg/dL.
A client presents with severe diarrhea and a history of chronic renal failure to the emergency department. Arterial blood gas results are as follows: pH 7.30Pa O2 97 PaCO2 37 HCO3 18 The nurse would expect which of the following sets of assessment findings?
Clammy skin, blood pressure 86/46, headache Metabolic acidosis, a common clinical disturbance, is characterized by decreased pH and plasma bicarbonate concentration. Common causes of metabolic acidosis include diarrhea, chronic renal failure, use of diuretics, intestinal fistulas, and ureterostomies. The client will experience the following signs and symptoms: headache, confusion, increased respiratory rate, nausea, vomiting, cold and clammy skin, and decreased blood pressure.
The physician has prescribed 0.9% sodium chloride IV for a hospitalized client in metabolic alkalosis. Which nursing actions are required to manage this client? Select all that apply.
Compare ABG findings with previous results. Maintain intake and output records. Document presenting signs and symptoms. Metabolic alkalosis results in increased plasma pH because of accumulated base bicarbonate or decreased hydrogen ion concentrations. The result is retention of sodium bicarbonate and increased base bicarbonate. Nursing management includes documenting all presenting signs and symptoms to provide accurate baseline data, monitoring laboratory values, comparing ABG findings with previous results (if any), maintaining accurate intake and output records to monitor fluid status, and implementing prescribed medical therapy.
The health care provider ordered an IV solution for a dehydrated patient with a head injury. Select the IV solution that the nurse knows would be contraindicated.
D5W A solution of D5W is an isotonic IV solution that is contraindicated in head injury because it may increase intracranial pressure (raises the blood volume leading to increased ICP)
The nurse is caring for a client who was admitted with fluid volume excess (FVE). Which nursing assessments should the nurse include in the ongoing monitoring of the client? Select all that apply.
Nutritional status and diet Blood pressure, heart rate, and rhythm Intake and output, urine volume, and color Skin assessment for edema and turgor To assess for FVE the nurse measures blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, and breath sounds; inspects the skin to look for edema and turgor; and inspects neck veins. Intake and output, daily weight, urine volume and color, dyspnea, and thirst are assessments that will assist the nurse in identifying improvement or worsening of the fluid volume excess. In addition, the nurse will be able to identify potential fluid volume deficit from overtreatment of the fluid volume excess. Treatment of FVE typically involves dietary restriction of sodium.
Which of the following would be appropriate nursing interventions for a client with hypokalemia? Select all that apply.
Offer a diet with fruit juices and citrus fruits. Monitor intake and output every shift. Hypokalemia is a potassium level less than 3.5 mEq/L. Nurses must have knowledge of this life-threatening imbalance. The nurse would complete appropriate interventions such as offering a diet containing sufficient potassium, which includes fruits and vegetables, and monitoring the intake and output. Approximately 40 mEq of potassium is lost for every liter of urine output.
A client's potassium level is elevated. The nurse is reviewing the ECG tracing. Identify the area on the tracing where the nurse would expect to see peaks.
Peaked narrow T wave Potassium influences cardiac muscle activity. Alterations in potassium levels change myocardial irritability and rhythm. Hyperkalemia is very dangerous; cardiac arrest can occur. Cardiac effects of elevated serum potassium are significant when the level is above 8 mEq/L. Hyperkalemia causes skeletal muscle weakness and even paralysis, related to a depolarization block in t muscle. Therefore, ventricular conduction is slowed. The earliest change that can be seen are peaked, narrow T waves on the ECG.
A client with an intravenous infusion is rubbing his arm. The nurse assesses the site and decides to discontinue the current infusion because of concern that the client has developed phlebitis. Which of the following clinical manifestations would the nurse assess with phlebitis? Select all that apply.
Reddened area along the path of the vein Tender area around the insertion site Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein and is characterized by a reddened, warm area around an insertion site or along the path of a vein. The involved area is also tender and swollen. The nurse assesses infusion sites and determines the proper action to take. If indications lead to suspected phlebitis, the nurse will discontinue the intravenous line and restart with a different vessel.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with hyperchloremia. Which are signs and symptoms of hyperchloremia? Select all that apply.
Tachycardia lethargy weakness The signs and symptoms of hyperchloremia are the same as those of *metabolic acidosis: hypervolemia and hypernatremia*. Tachypnea; weakness; lethargy; deep, rapid respirations; diminished cognitive ability; and hypertension occur. If untreated, hyperchloremia can lead to a decrease in cardiac output, dysrhythmias, and coma. A high chloride concentration is accompanied by a high sodium concentration and fluid retention.
A nurse correctly identifies a urine specimen with a pH of 4.3 as being which type of solution?
acidic Normal urine pH is 4.5 to 8.0; a value of 4.3 reveals acidic urine pH. A pH above 7.0 is considered an alkaline or basic solution. A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral.
The nurse notes that a patient's urine osmolality is 980 mOsm/kg. What should the nurse assess as a possible cause of this finding?
acidosis Normal urine osmolality is 200 to 800 mOsm/kg, so 980 mOsm/kg is elevated. Acidosis is a factor that increases urine osmolality. Fluid volume excess, diabetes insipidus, and hyponatremia are all factors that decrease urine osmolality.
A client with hypervolemia asks the nurse what mechanism in the sodium potassium pump will move the excess body fluid. What is the nurse's best answer?
active transport Active transport is the physiologic pump that moves fluid from an area of lower concentration to one of higher concentration. Active transport requires adenosine triphosphate for energy. Passive osmosis does not require energy for transport. Free flow is transport of water naturally. Passive elimination is a filter process carried out in the kidneys.
A client with excess fluid volume and hyponatremia is in a comatose state. What are the nursing considerations concerning fluid replacement?
administer small volumes of hypertonic solution In clients with normal or excess fluid volume, hyponatremia is usually treated effectively by restricting fluid with clients who are not neurologically impaired. When the serum sodium concentration is overcorrected (exceeding 140 mEq/L) too rapidly or in the presence of hypoxia or anoxia, the client can develop neurological symptoms. However, if neurologic symptoms are severe (e.g., seizures, delirium, coma), or if the client has traumatic brain injury, it may be necessary to administer small volumes of a hypertonic sodium solution with the goal of alleviating cerebral edema. Incorrect use of these fluids is extremely dangerous, because 1 L of 3% sodium chloride solution contains 513 mEq (mmol/L) of sodium and 1 L of 5% sodium chloride solution contains 855 mEq (mmol/L) of sodium. The recommendation for hypertonic saline administration in clients with craniocerebral trauma is between 0.10 to 1.0 mL of 3% saline per kilogram of body weight per hour.
Which of the following is the most common cause of symptomatic hypomagnesemia in the United States?
alcoholism Alcoholism is currently the most common cause of symptomatic hypomagnesemia in the United States. Any disruption in small bowel function, as in intestinal resection or inflammatory bowel disease, can lead to hypomagnesemia.
A nurse is providing client teaching about the body's plasma pH and the client asks the nurse what is the major chemical regulator of plasma pH. What is the best response by the nurse?
bicarbonate-carbonic buffer system
A client is diagnosed with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). The nurse informs the client that the physician will order diuretic therapy and restrict fluid and sodium intake to treat the disorder. If the client doesn't comply with the recommended treatment, which complication may arise?
cerebral edema Noncompliance with treatment for SIADH may lead to water intoxication from fluid retention caused by excessive antidiuretic hormone. This, in turn, limits water excretion and increases the risk for cerebral edema. Hypovolemic shock results from, severe deficient fluid volume; in contrast, SIADH causes excess fluid volume. The major electrolyte disturbance in SIADH is dilutional hyponatremia, not hyperkalemia. Because SIADH doesn't alter renal function, potassium excretion remains normal; therefore, severe hyperkalemia doesn't occur. Tetany results from hypocalcemia, an electrolyte disturbance not associated with SIADH.
Which electrolyte is a major anion in body fluid?
chloride Chloride is a major anion found in extracellular fluid. Potassium, sodium, and calcium are cations.
A client with emphysema is at a greater risk for developing which acid-base imbalance?
chronic respiratory acidosis Respiratory acidosis, which may be either acute or chronic, is caused by excess carbonic acid, which causes the blood pH to drop below 7.35. Chronic respiratory acidosis is associated with disorders such as emphysema, bronchiectasis, bronchial asthma, and cystic fibrosis.
Upon shift report, the nurse states the following laboratory values: pH, 7.44; PCO2, 30mmHg; and HCO3,21 mEq/L for a client with noted acid-base disturbances. Which acid-base imbalance do both nurses agree is the client's current state?
compensated respiratory alkalosis The question states that the client has a history of acid-base disturbance. The nurse would first note that the pH has returned to close to normal indicating compensation. The nurse then assess the PCO2 (normal: 35 to 45 mm Hg) and HCO3 (normal: 22 to 27mEq/L) levels. In a respiratory condition, the pH and the PCO2 move in opposite direction; thus, the pH rises and the PCO2 drops (alkalosis) or vice versa (acidosis). In a metabolic condition, the pH and the bicarbonate move in the same direction; if the pH is low, the bicarbonate level will be low, also. In this client, the pH is at the high end of normal, indicating compensation and alkalosis. The PCO2 is low, indicating a respiratory condition (opposite direction of the pH).
Which findings indicate that a client has developed water intoxication secondary to treatment for diabetes insipidus?
confusion and seizures Classic signs of water intoxication include confusion and seizures, both of which are caused by cerebral edema. Weight gain will also occur. Sunken eyeballs, thirst, and increased BUN levels indicate fluid volume deficit. Spasticity, flaccidity, and tetany are unrelated to water intoxication.
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 The client's symptoms of feeling thirsty with dry, sticky mucous membranes; decreased urine output; fever; a rough tongue; and lethargy suggest hypernatremia. The client needs to be evaluated with serum blood tests soon; a later appointment will delay treatment. It is necessary to restrict sodium intake. Salt tablets and a sodium chloride IV will only worsen this condition. A Lactated Ringer's IV is a hypertonic IV and is not used with hypernatremia. A hypotonic solution IV may be a part of the treatment, but not along with the salt tablets.
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 caring for a client with a serum potassium concentration of 6.0 mEq/L (6.0 mmol/L). The client is ordered to receive oral sodium polystyrene sulfonate and furosemide. What other order should the nurse anticipate giving?
discontinue IV lactated ringers solution The lactated Ringer intravenous (IV) fluid is contributing to both the fluid volume excess and the hyperkalemia. In addition to the volume of IV fluids contributing to the fluid volume excess, lactated Ringer solution contains more sodium than daily requirements, and excess sodium worsens fluid volume excess. Lactated Ringer solution also contains potassium, which would worsen the hyperkalemia.
A nurse reviews the results of an electrocardiogram (ECG) for a patient who is being assessed for hypokalemia. Which of the following would the nurse notice as the most significant diagnostic indicator?
elevated U wave An elevated U wave is specific for hypokalemia. Flat or inverted T waves may also be present. The other tracings are consistent with hyperkalemia.
The nurse is caring for a client in heart failure with signs of hypervolemia. Which vital sign is indicative of the disease process?
elevated blood pressure Indicative of hypervolemia is a bounding pulse and elevated blood pressure due to the excess volume in the system. Respirations are not typically affected unless there is fluid accumulation in the lungs. Temperature is not generally affected.
Which laboratory result does the nurse identify as a direct result of the client's hypovolemic status with hemoconcentration?
elevated hematocrit level When hemoconcentration occurs due to a hypovolemic state, a high ratio of blood components in relation to watery plasma occurs, thus causing an elevated hematocrit level. A high white blood cell count and urine specific gravity is also noted. Other causes of an abnormal potassium level may be present.
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 nurse evaluates a client's laboratory results. What is a factor that may be affecting an increase in serum osmolality?
free water loss Osmolality measures the solute concentration per kilogram in blood and urine. Water loss in the serum would increase the solute concentration. Free water loss is a factor increasing serum osmolality. Diuretic use, overhydration, and hyponatremia are factors decreasing serum osmolality.
Which factor increases blood urea nitrogen (BUN)?
gastrointestinal bleeding Factors that increase BUN include gastrointestinal bleeding, decreased renal function, dehydration, increased protein intake, fever, and sepsis.
You are caring for a new client on your unit who is third-spacing fluid. You know to assess for what type of edema?
generalized There may be generalized edema in all the interstitial spaces, which sometimes is called brawny edema or anasarca. Options B and D are not part of the process of third-spacing fluid. Option C is a distractor for this question.
In which of the following medical conditions would administering IV normal saline solution be inappropriate? Select all that apply.
heart failure pulmonary edema renal impairment Normal saline is not used for heart failure, pulmonary edema, renal impairment, or sodium retention. It is used with administration of blood transfusions and to replace large sodium losses, as in burn injuries.
A physician orders regular insulin 10 units I.V. along with 50 ml of dextrose 50% for a client with acute renal failure. What electrolyte imbalance is this client most likely experiencing?
hyperkalemia Administering regular insulin I.V. concomitantly with 50 ml of dextrose 50% helps shift potassium from the extracellular fluid into the cell, which normalizes serum potassium levels in the client with hyperkalemia. This combination doesn't help reverse the effects of hypercalcemia, hypernatremia, or hyperglycemia.
The nurse is assigned to care for a client with a serum phosphorus concentration of 5.0 mg/dL (1.61 mmol/L). The nurse anticipates that the client will also experience which electrolyte imbalance?
hypocalcemia The client is experiencing an elevated serum phosphorus concentration. Hyperphosphatemia is defined as a serum phosphorus that exceeds 4.5 mg/dL (1.45 mmol/L). Because of the *reciprocal relationship between phosphorus and calcium*, a high serum phosphorus concentration tends to cause a low serum calcium concentration.
A client reports muscle cramps in the calves and feeling "tired a lot." The client is taking ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) for hypertension. Based on these symptoms, the client will be evaluated for which electrolyte imbalance?
hypokalemia Hypokalemia causes fatigue, weakness, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, cardiac dysrhythmias, leg cramps, muscle weakness, and paresthesias. Many diuretics, such as ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), also waste potassium. Symptoms of hyperkalemia include diarrhea, nausea, muscle weakness, paresthesias, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Signs of hypocalcemia include tingling in the extremities and the area around the mouth and muscle and abdominal cramps. Hypercalcemia causes deep bone pain, constipation, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, polyuria, thirst, pathologic fractures, and mental changes.
A nurse is assessing a client's reflexes. Which condition does the nurse need to confirm when tapping the facial nerve of a client who has dysphagia?
hypomagnesemia If there is a unilateral spasm of facial muscles when the nurse taps over the facial muscle, it is known as *Chvostek's sign, which is a sign of hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia*. *The additional symptom of dysphagia reinforces the possibility of hypomagnesemia rather than hypocalcemia*. A positive Chvostek's sign does not apply to hypercalcemia, hypervolemia, or hypermagnesemia.
A client presents with muscle weakness, tremors, slow muscle movements, and vertigo. The following are the client's laboratory values: Sodium 134 mEq/L (134 mmol/L) Potassium 3.2 mEq/L (3.2 mmol/L) Chloride 111 mEq/L (111 mmol/L) Magnesium 1.1 mg/dL (0.45 mmol/L) Calcium 8.4 mg/dL (2.1 mmol/L) What fluid and electrolyte imbalance would the nurse relate to the client's findings?
hypomagnesemia Magnesium, the second most abundant intracellular cation, plays a role in both carbohydrate and protein metabolism. The most common cause of this imbalance is loss in the gastrointestinal tract. Hypomagnesemia is a value less than 1.3 mg/dL (0.45 mmol/L). Signs and symptoms include muscle weakness, tremors, irregular movements, tetany, vertigo, focal seizures, and positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs.
A patient has a serum osmolality of 250 mOsm/kg. The nurse knows to assess further for:
hyponatremia Decreased serum sodium is a factor associated with decreased serum osmolality. Dehydration and hyperglycemia are associated with increased serum osmolality; acidosis is associated with increased urine osmolality.
Which could be a potential cause of respiratory acidosis?
hypoventilation Respiratory acidosis is always due to inadequate excretion of CO2, with inadequate ventilation, resulting in elevated plasma CO concentration, which causes increased levels of carbonic acid. In addition to an elevated PaCO2, hypoventilation usually causes a decrease in PaO2.
The nurse is conducting a lecture on the difference between hypovolemia and dehydration. When completing a verbal comparison, which point needs clarified?
in dehydration, only extracellular is depleted In clients diagnosed with dehydration, all fluid compartments including the intracellular and extracellular compartment are reduced. The other options are correct. Both states can be from similar disease process such as vomiting, fever, diarrhea and difficulty swallowing and also have abnormal lab work. It is correct that hypovolemia relates to low blood volume.
A nurse caring for a patient with metabolic alkalosis knows to assess for the primary, compensatory mechanism of:
increased PaCO2 levels The respiratory system compensates by decreasing ventilation to conserve CO2 and increase the PaCO2.
A client has a respiratory rate of 38 breaths/min. What effect does breathing faster have on arterial pH level?
increased arterial pH Respiratory alkalosis is always caused by hyperventilation, which is a decrease in plasma carbonic acid concentration. The pH is elevated above normal as a result of a low PaCO2.
Early signs of hypervolemia include
increased breathing effort and weight gain Early signs of hypervolemia are weight gain, elevated blood pressure, and increased breathing effort. Eventually, fluid congestion in the lungs leads to moist breath sounds. One of the earliest symptoms of hypovolemia is thirst.
Which condition might occur with respiratory acidosis?
increased intercranial pressure If respiratory acidosis is severe, intracranial pressure may increase, resulting in papilledema and dilated conjunctival blood vessels. Increased blood pressure, increased pulse, and decreased mental alertness occur with respiratory acidosis.
The nurse is caring for a geriatric client in the home setting. Due to geriatric changes decreasing thirst, the nurse is likely to see a decrease in which fluid location which contains the most body water?
intracellular fluid About 60% of the adult human body is water. Most body water is located within the cell (intracellular fluid). Due to several physiological changes of aging, geriatric clients have less bodily fluids.
A client with a magnesium concentration of 2.6 mEq/L (1.3 mmol/L) is being treated on a medical-surgical unit. Which treatment should the nurse anticipate will be used?
intravenous furosemide The nurse should anticipate the administration of furosemide for the treatment of hypermagnesemia. Administration of loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide) and sodium chloride or lactated Ringer intravenous solution enhances magnesium excretion in clients with adequate renal function. Fluid restriction is contraindicated. The client should be encouraged to increase fluids to promote the excretion magnesium through the urine. Magnesium oxide is contraindicated because it would further elevate the client's serum magnesium concentration. In acute emergencies, when the magnesium concentration is severely elevated, hemodialysis with a magnesium-free dialysate can reduce the serum magnesium to a safe concentration within hours.
When caring for a client who has risk factors for fluid and electrolyte imbalances, which assessment finding is the highest priority for the nurse to follow up?
irregular heart rate Irregular heart rate may indicate a potentially life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmia. Potassium, magnesium, and calcium imbalances may cause dysrhythmias. Weight loss is a good indicator of the amount of fluid lost, confusion may occur with dehydration and hyponatremia, and blood pressure is slightly lower than normal (though not life threatening); in each case, following up on potential cardiac dysrhythmias is a higher priority.
Which sign suggests that a client with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion is experiencing complications?
jugular vein distension SIADH secretion causes antidiuretic hormone overproduction, which leads to fluid retention. Severe SIADH can cause such complications as vascular fluid overload, signaled by jugular vein distention. This syndrome isn't associated with tetanic contractions. It may cause weight gain and fluid retention (secondary to oliguria).
A nurse is assessing a client with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone. Which finding requires further action?
jugular vein distension Jugular vein distention requires further action because this finding signals vascular fluid overload. Tetanic contractions aren't associated with this disorder, but weight gain and fluid retention from oliguria are. Polyuria is associated with diabetes insipidus, which occurs with inadequate production of antidiuretic hormone.
With which condition should the nurse expect that a decrease in serum osmolality will occur?
kidney failure Failure of the kidneys results in multiple fluid and electrolyte abnormalities including fluid volume overload. If renal function is so severely impaired that pharmacologic agents cannot act efficiently, other modalities are considered to remove sodium and fluid from the body.
The nurse is caring for a client with multiple organ failure and in metabolic acidosis. Which pair of organs is responsible for regulatory processes and compensation?
lungs and kidney The lungs and kidneys facilitate the ratio of bicarbonate to carbonic acid. Carbon dioxide is one of the components of carbonic acid. The lungs regulate carbonic acid levels by releasing or conserving CO2 by increasing or decreasing the respiratory rate. The kidneys assist in acid-base balance by retaining or excreting bicarbonate ions.
The nurse is caring for a client undergoing alcohol withdrawal. Which serum laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely?
magnesium Chronic alcohol abuse is a major cause of *symptomatic hypomagnesemia* in the United States. The serum magnesium concentration should be measured at least every 2 or 3 days in clients undergoing alcohol withdrawal. The serum magnesium concentration may be normal at admission but may decrease as a result of metabolic changes, such as the intracellular shift of magnesium associated with intravenous glucose administration.
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. Metabolic alkalosis is a clinical disturbance characterized by a high pH (decreased H+ concentration) and a high plasma bicarbonate concentration. Respiratory acidosis is 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. Respiratory alkalosis is a clinical condition in which the arterial pH is greater than 7.45 and the PaCO2 is less than 38 mm Hg.
Your client's lab values are sodium 166 mEq/L, potassium 5.0 mEq/L, chloride 115 mEq/L, and bicarbonate 35 mEq/L. What condition is this client likely to have, judging by anion gap?
metabolic acidosis The anion gap is the difference between sodium and potassium cations and the sum of chloride and bicarbonate anions. *An anion gap that exceeds 16 mEq/L indicates metabolic acidosis*. In this case, the anion gap is (166 + 5) minus (115 + 35), yielding 21 mEq/L, which suggests metabolic acidosis. Anion gap is not used to check for respiratory alkalosis, metabolic alkalosis, or respiratory acidosis.
The nurse is caring for a client with severe diarrhea. The nurse recognizes that the client is at risk for developing which acid-base imbalance?
metabolic acidosis The client is at risk for developing metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis is caused by diarrhea, lower intestinal fistulas, ureterostomies, and use of diuretics; early renal insufficiency; excessive administration of chloride; and the administration of parenteral nutrition without bicarbonate or bicarbonate-producing solutes (e.g., lactate).
Following a unilateral adrenalectomy, a nurse should assess for hyperkalemia as indicated by:
muscle weakness Muscle weakness, bradycardia, nausea, diarrhea, and paresthesia of the hands, feet, tongue, and face are findings associated with hyperkalemia, which is transient and results from transient hypoaldosteronism when the adenoma is removed. Tremors, diaphoresis, and constipation aren't seen in hyperkalemia.
A patient has been involved in a traumatic accident and is hemorrhaging from multiple sites. The nurse expects that the compensatory mechanisms associated with hypovolemia would cause what clinical manifestations? (Select all that apply.)
oliguria tachycardia tachypnea Hypovolemia, or fluid volume deficit, is indicated by decreased, not increased, blood pressure (hypotension), oliguria, tachycardia (not bradycardia), and tachypnea.
A patient with abnormal sodium losses is receiving a regular diet. How can the nurse supplement the patient's diet to provide 1,600 mg of sodium daily?
one beef cube and 8 oz of tomato juice For a patient with abnormal losses of sodium who can consume a general diet, the nurse encourages foods and fluids with high sodium content to control hyponatremia. For example, broth made with one beef cube contains approximately 900 mg of sodium; 8 oz of tomato juice contains approximately 700 mg of sodium. The nurse also needs to be familiar with the sodium content of parenteral fluids (see Table 13-5).
Oncotic pressure refers to the
osmotic pressure exerted by proteins Oncotic pressure is a pulling pressure exerted by proteins such as albumin. Osmolality refers to the number of dissolved particles contained in a unit of fluid. Osmotic diuresis occurs when urine output increases as a result of excretion of substances such as glucose. Osmotic pressure is the amount of pressure needed to stop the flow of water by osmosis.
Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result would the nurse anticipate for a client with a 3-day history of vomiting?
pH: 7.55, PaCO2: 60 mm Hg, HCO3-: 28 The client's ABG would likely demonstrate metabolic alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis is a clinical disturbance characterized by a high pH (decreased H+ concentration) and a high plasma bicarbonate concentration. It can be produced by a gain of bicarbonate or a loss of H+. A common cause of metabolic alkalosis is vomiting or gastric suction with loss of hydrogen and chloride ions. The disorder also occurs in pyloric stenosis, where only gastric fluid is lost. The other results do not represent metabolic alkalosis.
A nurse is monitoring a client being evaluated who has a potassium level of 7 mEq/L (mmol/L). Which electrocardiogram changes will the client display?
peaked T waves The earliest changes occur when the serum potassium level is 7 mEq/L (mmol/L). Cardiac tracings include peaked and narrow T waves, ST segment depression, and a shortened QT interval.
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 with pancreatic cancer has the following blood chemistry profile: Glucose, fasting: 204 mg/dl; blood urea nitrogen (BUN): 12 mg/dl; Creatinine: 0.9 mg/dl; Sodium: 136 mEq/L; Potassium: 2.2 mEq/L; Chloride: 99 mEq/L; CO2: 33 mEq/L. Which result should the nurse identify as critical and report immediately?
potassium The nurse should identify potassium: 2.2 mEq/L as critical because a normal potassium level is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Severe hypokalemia can cause cardiac and respiratory arrest, possibly leading to death. Hypokalemia also depresses the release of insulin and results in glucose intolerance. The glucose level is above normal (normal is 75 to 110 mg/dl) and the chloride level is a bit low (normal is 100 to 110 mEq/L). Although these levels should be reported, neither is life-threatening. The BUN (normal is 8 to 26 mg/dl) and creatinine (normal is 0.8 to 1.4 mg/dl) are within normal range.
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 Respiratory acidosis is associated with hypoventilation; in this client, hypoventilation suggests intake of a drug that has suppressed the brain's respiratory center. Therefore, the nurse should assume the client has respiratory depression and should prepare to assist with ventilation. After the client's respiratory function has been stabilized, the nurse can safely monitor the heart rhythm, prepare for gastric lavage, and obtain a urine specimen for drug screening.
A client is being treated in the ICU 24 hours after having a radical neck dissection completed. The client's serum calcium concentration is 7.6 mg/dL (1.9 mmol/L). Which physical examination finding is consistent with this electrolyte imbalance?
presence of Trousseau (elbow and wrist flexion) After radical neck resection, a client is prone to developing hypocalcemia. *Hypocalcemia is defined as a serum value <8.6 mg/dL (<2.15 mmol/L)*. Signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia include Chvostek sign, which consists of muscle twitching enervated by the facial nerve when the region that is about 2 cm anterior to the earlobe, just below the zygomatic arch, is tapped; and a positive Trousseau sign can be elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the upper arm to about 20 mm Hg above systolic pressure; within 2 to 5 minutes, carpal spasm (an adducted thumb, flexed wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints, and extended interphalangeal joints with fingers together) will occur as ischemia of the ulnar nerve develops. Slurred speech and muscle weakness are signs of hypercalcemia.
A nurse is caring for a client with acute renal failure and hypernatremia. In this case, which action can be delegated to the nursing assistant?
provide oral care every 2-3 hours Providing oral care for the client every 2-3 hours is within the scope of practice of a nursing assistant. The other actions should be completed by the registered nurse.
A client with chronic renal failure has a serum potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. What should the nurse assess first?
pulse An elevated serum potassium level may lead to a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia, which the nurse can detect immediately by palpating the pulse. In addition to assessing the client's pulse, the nurse should place the client on a cardiac monitor because an arrythmia can occur suddenly. The client's blood pressure may change, but only as a result of the arrhythmia. Therefore, the nurse should assess blood pressure later. The nurse also may delay assessing respirations and temperature because these aren't affected by the serum potassium level.
A nurse is caring for a client admitted with a diagnosis of exacerbation of myasthenia gravis. Upon assessment of the client, the nurse notes the client has severely depressed respirations. The nurse would expect to identify which acid-base disturbance?
respiratory acidosis Respiratory acidosis is always from inadequate excretion of CO2 with inadequate ventilation, resulting in elevated plasma CO2 concentrations. Respiratory acidosis can occur in diseases that impair respiratory muscles such as myasthenia gravis.
A nurse reviews the arterial blood gas (ABG) values of a client admitted with pneumonia: pH, 7.51; PaCO2, 28 mm Hg; PaO2, 70 mm Hg; and HCO3--, 24 mEq/L. What do these values indicate?
respiratory alkalosis A client with pneumonia may hyperventilate in an effort to increase oxygen intake. Hyperventilation leads to excess carbon dioxide (CO2) loss, which causes alkalosis — indicated by this client's elevated pH value. With respiratory alkalosis, the kidneys' bicarbonate (HCO3-) response is delayed, so the client's HCO3- level remains normal. The below-normal value for the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) indicates CO2 loss and signals a respiratory component. Because the HCO3- level is normal, this imbalance has no metabolic component. Therefore, the client is experiencing respiratory alkalosis.
A client is diagnosed with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Laboratory results reveal serum sodium level 130 mEq/L and urine specific gravity 1.030. Which nursing intervention helps prevent complications associated with SIADH?
restricting fluids to 800ml a day A client is diagnosed with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Laboratory results reveal serum sodium level 130 mEq/L and urine specific gravity 1.030. Which nursing intervention helps prevent complications associated with SIADH?
The nurse is participating in the care of a client who had a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placed in the right arm. After catheter placement, the nurse should complete which action?
send the client for a chest X-ray A chest x-ray is needed to confirm the placement of catheter tip before initiating ordered infusions. Consent should be obtained before, not after, the procedure. No BPs should be taken on the extremity where the catheter is placed.
What does the nurse recognize as one of the best indicators of the patient's renal function?
serum creatinine Creatinine is the end product of muscle metabolism. It is a better indicator of renal function than BUN because it does not vary with protein intake and metabolic state.
A client with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps and distention is admitted to the health care facility. Which test result is most significant?
serum potassium level of 3 mEq/L A serum potassium level of 3 mEq/L is below normal, indicating hypokalemia. Because hypokalemia may cause cardiac arrhythmias and asystole, it's the most significant finding. In a client with a potential fluid volume imbalance, such as from vomiting, the other options are expected but none are as life-threatening as hypokalemia. A BUN level of 29 mg/dl indicates slight dehydration. A serum sodium level of 132 mEq/L is slightly below normal but not life-threatening. A urine specific gravity of 1.025 is normal.
A client is diagnosed with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). The nurse should anticipate which laboratory test result?
serum sodium level of 124 mEq/L In SIADH, the posterior pituitary gland produces excess antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin), which decreases water excretion by the kidneys. This, in turn, reduces the serum sodium level, causing hyponatremia, as indicated by a serum sodium level of 124 mEq/L. In SIADH, the serum creatinine level isn't affected by the client's fluid status and remains within normal limits. A hematocrit of 52% and a BUN level of 8.6 mg/dl are elevated. Typically, the hematocrit and BUN level decrease.
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 Hypernatremia (normal serum sodium is 135 to 145 mEq/L) is consistent with increased fluid loss and dehydration in diabetes insipidus.
Which of the following is a factor affecting an increase in urine osmolality?
syndrome of inappropriate anti diuretic hormone release Factors increasing urine osmolality include SIADH, fluid volume deficit, acidosis, and congestive heart failure. Myocardial infarction typically is not a factor that increases urine osmolality.
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.
Which condition leads to chronic respiratory acidosis in older adults?
thoracic skeletal change Poor respiratory exchange as the result of chronic lung disease, inactivity, or thoracic skeletal changes may lead to chronic respiratory acidosis. Decreased renal function in older adults can cause an inability to concentrate urine and is usually associated with fluid and electrolyte imbalance. A poor appetite, erratic meal patterns, inability to prepare nutritious meals, or financial circumstances may influence nutritional status, resulting in imbalances of electrolytes. Overuse of sodium bicarbonate may lead to metabolic alkalosis.
