Normal Ranges
0.45% Sodium Chloride
Hypotonic
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
This is the best way to assess fluid loss or gain
What is weight monitoring?
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
3% NaCL
What is hypertonic?
A runner finishes a marathon in hot weather.. a nurse suspects depletion of THIS electrolyte.
What is sodium?
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
Lactated Ringer's
What is Isotonic?
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.
This type of fluid is best for pulling water from the intracellular fluid to the extracellular fluid.
What is Hypertonic Solutions?
What is the parathyroid?
What is hyponatremia?
. 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.