1. Body Fluids and Electrolytes
100: What percentage of an adult's body weight is water?
A: About 50–60%.
100: What is the medical term for isotonic fluid loss from the extracellular space?
A: Hypovolemia (fluid volume deficit).
100: What does "isotonic" mean in IV therapy?
A: The solution has the same osmolarity as plasma (no fluid shift).
100: What is infiltration?
A: Leakage of non-vesicant IV fluid into surrounding tissue.
100: What does TPN stand for?
A: Total Parenteral Nutrition.
200: What are the two main body fluid compartments?
A: Intracellular fluid (ICF) and Extracellular fluid (ECF).
200: What are two early signs of hypovolemia?
A: Tachycardia and hypotension.
200: Give one example of an isotonic IV solution.
A: 0.9% Normal Saline (NaCl) or Lactated Ringers (LR).
200: What is phlebitis?
A: Inflammation of the vein wall.
200: Which type of IV access device is commonly used for TPN?
A: Central venous access device (CVAD), such as a PICC line.
300: Name two major electrolytes found in extracellular fluid.
A: Sodium (Na⁺) and Chloride (Cl⁻).
300: Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated with excessive water gain and results in confusion or seizures?
A: Hyponatremia.
300: What type of solution causes water to move into cells, swelling them?
A: Hypotonic solution.
300: What is the nurse's first action if infiltration is suspected?
A: Stop the infusion and remove the IV.
300: Why must TPN be infused using an electronic pump?
A: To control the flow rate precisely and prevent rapid infusion complications.
400: Which electrolyte is primarily found inside cells?
A: Potassium (K⁺).
400: What is hypervolemia, and what are its common causes?
A: Fluid volume excess; caused by heart failure, kidney failure, or excessive IV fluids.
400: Name two examples of hypertonic solutions.
A: 3–5% NaCl, D10W, or D5 0.45% NaCl.
400: What are three signs of fluid overload from IV therapy?
A: Crackles, shortness of breath, distended neck veins, or edema.
400: What should the nurse hang if TPN is stopped suddenly?
A: 10% dextrose (D10W) to prevent hypoglycemia.
500: What is the process called when water moves from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration?
A: Osmosis.
500: What clinical signs indicate fluid overload? Name two.
A: Crackles in lungs, edema, or distended neck veins.
500: What is the main goal of IV therapy?
A: To restore or maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, administer medications, or provide nutrients.
500: How can nurses prevent IV complications? Give two examples.
A: Use aseptic technique, monitor site hourly, and use the smallest appropriate catheter gauge.
500: What criteria make a patient eligible for home IV infusion therapy?
A: Medically stable, reliable caregiver, access to phone, refrigerator for medication, and clean environment.