Fluid Volume Deficit (FVD)
Vital sign changes common in fluid volume deficit
What is Tachycardia?
Rationale: The heart rate increases to maintain cardiac output as circulating fluid volume decreases.
Cardiovascular finding common in fluid volume excess
What is Hypertension?
Rationale: Increased fluid raises vascular volume, increasing blood pressure.
Common neurological sign of hypernatremia
What is decreased level of consciousness (LOC)?
Rationale: High sodium levels cause brain cells to shrink, affecting mental status.
EKG change is typical in hypokalemia
What is U wave or flattened T wave?
Rationale: Low potassium affects cardiac repolarization, causing EKG abnormalities.
Major cause of hyperkalemia due to impaired excretion
What is Hypocalcemia?
Rationale: Facial twitching indicates increased neuromuscular excitability due to low calcium.
Skin-related assessment finding is expected in a dehydrated patient
What is Decreased skin turgor?
Rationale: Dehydration reduces tissue elasticity, causing delayed skin rebound.
Lung sounds commonly heard in a patient with fluid overload
What are Crackles?
Rationale: Excess fluid accumulates in alveoli, causing crackling sounds on auscultation.
Dietary recommendation supports hyponatremia management in SIADH
What is High-protein diet?
Rationale: Protein intake helps correct dilutional hyponatremia and provides osmotic balance.
This food should be avoided by patients with hyperkalemia
What are Bananas?
Rationale: Bananas are high in potassium and can exacerbate hyperkalemia.
This surgery puts a patient at risk for hypocalcemia
What is Thyroidectomy?
Rationale: The parathyroid glands may be removed or damaged, leading to calcium imbalance.
Lab result that increases due to hemoconcentration in FVD
What is Hematocrit?
Rationale: With fluid loss, blood becomes more concentrated, raising hematocrit levels.
Visible sign of fluid retention found in lower extremities
What is Dependent pitting edemaz?
Rationale: Fluid collects in dependent areas due to gravity and excess volume.
Fluid recommendation appropriate for normovolemic hyponatremia
What is Restrict fluids to 800–1,000 mL/day?
Rationale: Fluid restriction helps prevent further dilution of sodium levels.
This symptom may indicate hyperkalemia
What is Muscle weakness or flaccid paralysis?
Rationale: High potassium levels impair muscle and nerve function.
These vital sign changes may occur with hypermagnesemia
What is hypotension and bradycardia
Rationale: Magnesium depresses neuromuscular and cardiovascular activity.
A nursing action that is the priority in a patient with severe dehydration
What is Initiate IV fluid bolus?
Rationale: Replenishing intravascular volume quickly restores perfusion and prevents shock.
Organ systems commonly associated with causing FVE
What are cardiac, renal, liver, and endocrine systems?
Rationale: These systems regulate fluid balance; dysfunction can result in retention.
A serious complication of severe hyponatremia if untreated
What are Seizures or coma?
Rationale: Water shifts into brain cells, causing cerebral edema and neurologic complications.
This condition increases the risk for hypokalemia in older adults
What is Diuretic use?
Rationale: Diuretics increase renal potassium excretion, especially in the elderly.
Key teaching point for managing hypermagnesemia
What is Avoid magnesium-rich foods or medications?
Rationale: Prevents further accumulation in patients with impaired excretion.
Postural symptom common in FVD
What is Orthostatic hypotension?
Rationale: Decreased circulating volume causes a drop in blood pressure upon standing.
Restrictions that are essential for managing fluid overload
What are fluid and sodium restriction?
Rationale: Limits intake and prevents further retention and volume overload.
Nursing priority important in a patient with hyponatremia and confusion.
What is Fall prevention?
Rationale: Confusion increases the risk for injury due to impaired judgment and coordination.
This condition is a major cause of hyperkalemia due to impaired excretion
What is Renal insufficiency?
Rationale: The kidneys excrete potassium; dysfunction leads to accumulation.
Nursing intervention critical for patients with hypocalcemia and tetany
What are seizure precautions?
Rationale: Hypocalcemia causes neuromuscular irritability, increasing seizure risk.