Normal Electrolyte Values
Normal value of phosphorous (& primary roles)
1.5-2.5 mEq.L
Formation of ATP, function of muscle, RBCs, nervous system, formation of bones & teeth, regulate Ca2+ levels, metabolism
The client’s fluid intake for the shift includes:
•8 oz of apple juice
•850 ml of water
•2 cups of beef broth and
•900 ml of NS IV solution
How many milliliters should the nurse document as the client’s intake?
2470
(29.5 mL/oz, 8 oz/cup)
Which of the following will increase calcium levels?
A. Increased intake of citrus fruit and lean meats.
B. Prolonged Bedrest
C. Dehydration.
D. Vomiting & diarrhea.
B. Prolonged Bedrest (ROM can treat this)
The nurse will best assess for fluid and electrolyte imbalance by:
A. Intake & output
B. Assessing mucous membranes
C. Assessing for edema
D. Reviewing laboratory values
D. Reviewing laboratory values
What cardiovascular manifestations would you expect to find in someone with a fluid deficit?
Thready pulse, increased HR, decreased BP, decreased body weight
The normal electrolyte value of sodium (& primary roles)
135-145 mEq/L
Fluid regulation (water balance & blood volume), transmission/conduction of nerve & muscle impulses
Which of the following places infants and young children at a risk for fluid and electrolyte imbalances?
A. Decreased body surface area
B. Inability of kidneys to conserve water
C. Larger intracellular fluid volume
D. Increased sensitivity to salt
B. Inability of kidneys to conserve water
When assessing a patient for signs of fluid deficit, which data would the nurse would expect to observe?
A. Decreased hematocrit
B. Hypotension
C. Rapid gain of 2% of body weight
D. Bounding pulse
B. Hypotension
The client has been vomiting and has had numerous episodes of diarrhea. Which laboratory test is a priority for the nurse to monitor?
A. Serum calcium.
B. Serum phosphorus.
C. Serum potassium.
D. Serum sodium
D. Serum sodium
What pulmonary manifestations would you expect to find in fluid deficit?
Clear lung sounds, respiratory rate could be increased or decreased (usually increased), decreased O2 sat
Normal value of potassium (& primary roles)
3.5-5.3 mEq/L
Contraction of cardiac muscles, contraction of muscle cells, transmission of nerve impulses, regulates acid-base balance
A young-adult client is about to be discharged after surgery. Which intervention should be included in the nurse’s instructions to prevent constipation?
A.Discouraging foods such as oatmeal, apples or cabbage.
B. Encouraging the regular use of laxatives.
C. Encouraging the use of opioid medications.
D. Instructing the client to drink a 2-L bottle of water daily.
D. Instructing the client to drink a 2-L bottle of water daily.
Marie’s serum calcium is 7mg/dL. Which assessment data does the nurse document when a client develops a carpopedal spasm after the blood-pressure cuff is inflated?
A. Positive Trousseau’s sign
B. Positive Chvostek’s sign
C. Tetany
D. Paresthesia
A. Positive Trousseau’s sign
Which meal option should is appropriate for a client on a low-sodium diet?
A.Bologna sandwich on whole wheat bread, potato chips, sliced cucumbers and ice tea.
B.Spaghetti with sausage meat sauce, salad, hard-crust bread and milk.
C.Baked chicken breast, corn on the cob, dinner roll, and milk.
D. Steak, broccoli with cheese sauce, crackers and hot tea
C.Baked chicken breast, corn on the cob, dinner roll, and milk.
What cardiovascular manifestations would you find with fluid excess?
Bounding radial pulse, high BP, increased weight
Normal Electrolyte level for calcium (& primary roles)
9-11 mg/dL
Forming bones & teeth, blood clotting, cardiac pacemaker, muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses
The nurse will best assess fluid balance by:
A. Checking for tenting on the hands of older adults.
B. Looking for sticky, dry mucous membranes in infants.
C. Gently pinching the skin on the thigh or abdomen for children.
D. Completing a respiratory assessment
C. Gently pinching the skin on the thigh or abdomen for children.
Which intervention should the nurse perform when caring for a client diagnosed with fluid volume deficit?
A. Assessing urinary intake and output
B. Obtaining the client’s weight weekly
C. Assess for edema
D. Plan to administer hypertonic I.V. solution
A. Assessing urinary intake and output
Insensible fluid losses include:
A. Urine
B. Gastric drainage
C. Perspiration
D. Bleeding
C. Perspiration
What pulmonary manifestations would you expect to find with fluid excess?
Crackles, increased respiratory rate, decreased O2 sat
Normal value of magnesium (& primary roles)
1.5-2.5 mEq/L
Metabolism, operating Na+/K+ pump, transmission of nerve impulses, relaxes muscle contractions, regulates cardiac function
A client is admitted for hypokalemia. The medical history reveals vomiting and diarrhea. Which foods should the nurse instruct the client to increase?
A. Orange juice and bananas
B. Whole grains and nuts
C. Milk products and green, leafy vegetables
D. Meat, fish, & poultry
A. Orange juice and bananas
The client is under extreme stress, resulting in increased production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). As a result, the nurse will expect to see a decrease in which of the following?
A. Blood pressure
B. Urine
C. Thirst
D. Edema
B. Urine
A 22-year-old client with dehydration has a heart rate of 110. Why?
Compensatory mechanism: there is a lower blood volume so the heart is beating faster to try to compensate for the lack of blood in the body.
Briefly explain the meanings of hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic.
Hypertonic= increased concentration of solutes in solution
Hypotonic= decreased concentration of solutes in solution
Isotonic= concentration of solutes in solution is the same as concentration in plasma (in the cell)