IV Fluid & Electrolyte Balance 2

Question 1

A patient's serum potassium is 6.2 mEq/L. Which IV fluid should be avoided?

Accepted Answer

Potassium Chloride in D5W

Answer

Administering potassium-containing IV fluids to a hyperkalemic patient worsens the dangerous electrolyte imbalance.

Question 2

Which finding is most consistent with fluid volume deficit (dehydration)?

Accepted Answer

Decreased skin turgor

Answer

Decreased skin turgor is a classic sign of dehydration due to reduced interstitial fluid volume.

Question 3

A patient receiving a rapid infusion of 0.9% NS develops crackles in the lungs and an SpO2 drop. What complication has occurred?

Accepted Answer

Fluid overload

Answer

Pulmonary crackles and oxygen desaturation following rapid fluid infusion indicate fluid overload with pulmonary edema.

Question 4

Serum sodium is 128 mEq/L. How is this condition classified?

Accepted Answer

Hyponatremia

Answer

Normal serum sodium is 135–145 mEq/L; a value of 128 mEq/L is below normal and classified as hyponatremia.

Question 5

Which IV solution is most appropriate to treat symptomatic hyponatremia?

Accepted Answer

3% Hypertonic Saline

Answer

3% hypertonic saline raises serum sodium in patients with severe symptomatic hyponatremia.

(IV) Intravenous Therapy Certified Practice Test