"Too Much of a Good Thing" (Fluid Volume Excess - FVE)
This sound is commonly auscultated in the lungs of a patient with fluid volume excess.
What are crackles?
This electrolyte is the primary cation in extracellular fluid.
Sodium
The normal serum potassium range in mEq/L.
What is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L?
A calcium level below 8.5 mg/dL results in this condition.
What is hypocalcemia?
A weak, thready pulse is a hallmark sign of this fluid imbalance.
What is fluid volume deficit (hypovolemia)?
A patient with fluid volume overload may have this cardiovascular symptom due to increased hydrostatic pressure.
What is hypertension?
A sodium level below 135 mEq/L is known as this condition.
Hyponatremia
The most serious complication of hyperkalemia.
What is cardiac dysrhythmia (arrhythmia)?
Two classic signs of hypocalcemia that involve muscle spasms or contractions.
What are Chvostek’s sign and Trousseau’s sign?
One of the first signs of fluid volume deficit, especially in elderly patients.
What is confusion?
This electrolyte imbalance is commonly seen in fluid volume overload due to dilution.
What is hyponatremia?
Th primary symptoms of hyponatremia.
What are altered mental status - neurological symptoms (confusion, agitation, seizures)?
This ECG change is characteristic of hyperkalemia.
What are peaked T waves?
This vitamin is necessary for calcium absorption in the intestines.
What is vitamin D?
This blood pressure change occurs when a patient with fluid volume deficit moves from a lying to a standing position.
What is orthostatic hypotension?
This diuretic class is commonly used to reduce fluid overload in patients with heart failure.
What are loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide/Lasix)?
In managing a patient with hypernatremia, the nurse should assess for this primary symptom related to fluid imbalance.
What is excessive thirst (polydipsia)?
This medication is given to stabilize the heart in cases of severe hyperkalemia.
What is calcium gluconate?
Long-term deficiency of calcium can contribute to this bone condition.
What is osteoporosis?
This IV fluid type is often used to replace fluid in patients with hypovolemia.
What is isotonic saline (0.9% NaCl) or lactated Ringer’s (LR)?
The best daily measurement to monitor fluid balance in a patient with FVE.
What is daily weight?
The priority intervention for a patient with severe hyponatremia and confusion.
What is administering hypertonic saline (3% NaCl) cautiously?
Fall Risk
Fluid restrict
A treatment for hyperkalemia that shifts potassium back into the cells.
What is insulin with dextrose?
In a patient with hypocalcemia, the nurse should monitor for this serious complication affecting the airway.
What is laryngospasm?
The best way to monitor fluid replacement therapy effectiveness in a dehydrated patient.
What is urine output of at least 30 mL/hr?