Cardiac & Perfusion
What percentage of the body’s fluid is found in the intracellular space?
⅔ or approximately 40% of body weight.
What is the primary function of sodium in the extracellular fluid?
Sodium helps regulate fluid volume and is involved in nerve impulse transmission.
What is the main difference between a UTI in the upper tract vs. the lower tract?
Upper tract UTIs affect the kidneys and ureters, while lower tract UTIs affect the bladder and urethra.
What is the recommended amount of sleep for most adults?
7-9 hours of sleep per night.
What is a normal range for serum potassium levels?
3.5-5.0 mEq/L.
Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly linked to cardiac arrhythmias?
Potassium imbalance (either hypokalemia or hyperkalemia).
What type of IV solution is used to treat hypernatremia?
Hypotonic solution (e.g., 0.45% Normal Saline or 0.25%).
Which type of urinary incontinence is most commonly associated with a loss of bladder control due to coughing, laughing, or sneezing?
Stress incontinence.
What sleep disorder is characterized by uncontrollable episodes of daytime sleep, often due to a dysfunction in the brain's regulation of sleep-wake cycles?
Narcolepsy
What laboratory test measures the amount of kidney function by estimating the rate at which blood is filtered by the kidneys?
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
What is a common nursing intervention for a patient suffering from myocardial infarction (MI)?
Administering oxygen, EKG, monitor vitals, and pain relief (such as nitroglycerin) to reduce myocardial oxygen demand.
What condition is characterized by too little fluid volume and can lead to decreased urine output and increased specific gravity?
Fluid Volume Deficit (FVD).
What does "polyuria" mean, and what condition is it often associated with?
Polyuria refers to excessive urination and is often seen in diabetes.
What is one intervention that can help improve sleep hygiene for hospitalized patients?
Creating a quiet, dark environment to promote sleep. Try to cluster care to decrease disturbance.
What is the most specific lab test for assessing kidney function, more so than BUN?
Serum creatinine.
What hormone is primarily responsible for fluid retention and increased sodium reabsorption in the kidneys? This hormone also helps maintain BP.
Aldosterone.
What is the major ion involved in acid-base balance and muscle function within intracellular fluid?
Potassium (K).
Which medication is known to cause orange to red urine and is often used to treat symptoms of a UTI?
Phenazopyridine (Pyridium).
What is the term for sleepwalking or talking during sleep, which can occur during non-REM sleep?
Parasomnias.
What electrolyte imbalance is most likely to be detected when a patient's EKG shows peaked T waves?
Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels).
What is the first-line intervention for a patient in asystole?
Immediate initiation of CPR and preparation for possible defibrillation.
What is the effect of hypermagnesemia, and how can it affect a patient's cardiovascular system?
Hypermagnesemia can cause low blood pressure, lethargy, and cardiac arrhythmias due to its depressant effect on the heart.
What nursing intervention should be performed to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?
Ensure proper aseptic technique during catheter insertion, maintain the catheter below the bladder, and secure it properly.
What is the difference between hypersomnia and sleep apnea?
Hypersomnia is excessive daytime sleepiness, while sleep apnea involves periodic cessation of breathing during sleep.
What does a high white blood cell count (WBC) typically indicate?
It usually indicates an infection, inflammation, or stress response.