Normal Ranges
Hyper Hypos are not Iso
Electrolytes
More Electrolytes!
N-CLEX Style
100
Potassium (K)
What is 3.5-5.5 mEq/L
100

0.45% Sodium Chloride

Hypotonic

100
Name the primary concern with potassium imbalance.
What is cardiac dysrhythmias and cardiac arrest
100
Insulin can be given to temporarily correct what electrolyte imbalance?
What is hyperkalemia
100

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

What is B) Hypocalcemia 

200
Sodium (Na)
What is 135-145 mEq/L
200

This is the best way to assess fluid loss or gain

What is weight monitoring?

200
When you took your patient's blood pressure, you noticed flexion of his wrist and fingers. What electrolyte imbalance does your patient have?
What is hypocalcemia
200
Peaked T-waves indicate what electrolyte imbalance?
What is hyperkalemia
200

The nurse is caring for a client admitted with a diagnosis of acute kidney injury. When reviewing the client's most recent laboratory reports, the nurse notes that the client's magnesium levels are high. The nurse should prioritize assessment for what health problem?

A. Diminished deep tendon reflexes

B. Tachycardia

C. Cool, clammy skin

D. Acute flank pain

ANS: A

Rationale: To gauge a client's magnesium status, the nurse should check deep tendon reflexes. If the reflex is absent, this may indicate high serum magnesium. Tachycardia, flank pain, and cool, clammy skin are not typically associated with hypermagnesemia

300
Calcium (Ca)
What is 8.5-10.5 mg/dL
300

3% NaCL

What is hypertonic?

300

A runner finishes a marathon in hot weather.. a nurse suspects depletion of THIS electrolyte. 

What is sodium?

300
Alcoholism results in what electrolyte deficiency?
What is magnesium
300

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

What is C) Dehydration


400
Phosphate (PO4)
What is 2.5-4.5 mg/dL
400

Lactated Ringer's

What is Isotonic?

400
Hyperreflexia is associated with what electrolyte imbalance?
What is magnesium
400
Your patient has a sodium level of 110, so you place your patient on ____ precautions.
What is seizure
400

The community health nurse is performing a home visit to an 80-year-old client recovering from hip surgery. The nurse notes that the client seems uncharacteristically confused at times and has dry mucous membranes. When asked about fluid intake, the client states, "I stop drinking water early in the day because it is just too difficult to get up during the night to go to the bathroom." What would be the nurse's best response?

A. "I will need to have your medications adjusted, so you will need to be readmitted to the hospital for a complete workup."

B. "Limiting your fluids can create imbalances that can result in confusion, so let’s try adjusting the timing of your fluids."

C. "It is normal to be a little confused following surgery, and it is safe not to urinate at night."

D. “Confusion and bladder issues are a normal consequence of aging, so I am not too concerned.”

ANS: B


Rationale: In older adult clients, the clinical manifestations of fluid and electrolyte disturbances may be subtle or atypical. For example, fluid deficit may cause confusion or cognitive impairment in the older adult. There is no specific evidence given for the need for readmission to the hospital. Confusion is never normal, common, or expected in older adults.

500
Magnesium (Mg)
What is 1.5-2.5 mEq/L
500

This type of fluid is best for pulling water from the intracellular fluid to the extracellular fluid. 

What is Hypertonic Solutions? 

500
This gland helps regulate calcium in the body

What is the parathyroid? 

500
This electrolyte imbalance usually requires a strict fluid restriction.

What is hyponatremia? 

500

. The nurse caring for a client post colon resection is assessing the client on the second postoperative day. The nasogastric tube remains patent and is draining moderate amounts of greenish fluid. Which assessment finding would suggest that the client's potassium level is too low?

A. Diarrhea

B. Paresthesias

C. Increased muscle tone

D. Joint pain

ANS: B


Rationale: Manifestations of hypokalemia include fatigue, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, leg cramps, decreased bowel motility, paresthesias (numbness and tingling), and arrhythmias. The client would not have diarrhea because increased bowel motility is inconsistent with hypokalemia. Joint pain is not a symptom of hypokalemia, nor is increased muscle tone.

 

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