LVN Nutrition and Fluid Balance 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the signs of dehydration?
- Decreased urine output, dry mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, elevated heart rate, and confusion (Correct answer)
- Only feeling thirsty
- Only dry lips
- No visible signs exist
Correct answer: Decreased urine output, dry mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, elevated heart rate, and confusion
Multiple signs indicate dehydration: concentrated urine, dry mouth, skin tenting, tachycardia, and altered mental status.
Question 2: What is the purpose of I&O (intake and output) monitoring?
- To track fluid balance by measuring all fluids consumed and excreted (Correct answer)
- Only counting glasses of water
- Measuring food portions
- Tracking medication doses
Correct answer: To track fluid balance by measuring all fluids consumed and excreted
I&O monitoring identifies fluid imbalances that could indicate kidney, heart, or other organ dysfunction.
Question 3: What are the different types of therapeutic diets?
- Regular, clear liquid, full liquid, soft, mechanical soft, pureed, and specialized diets for conditions (Correct answer)
- Only regular and liquid
- Only diabetic diets
- All patients eat the same diet
Correct answer: Regular, clear liquid, full liquid, soft, mechanical soft, pureed, and specialized diets for conditions
Different conditions and abilities require modified diets to ensure adequate nutrition and prevent complications.
Question 4: What is enteral nutrition?
- Nutrition delivered directly to the GI tract through a feeding tube (Correct answer)
- Eating regular food
- IV nutrition
- Vitamin supplements only
Correct answer: Nutrition delivered directly to the GI tract through a feeding tube
Enteral nutrition via nasogastric, gastrostomy, or jejunostomy tubes provides nutrition to patients who cannot eat orally but have a functioning GI tract.
Question 5: What electrolyte imbalances should LVNs monitor for?
- Sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium — each causing specific symptoms when too high or low (Correct answer)
- Only sodium
- Electrolytes do not need monitoring
- Only during IV therapy
Correct answer: Sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium — each causing specific symptoms when too high or low
Electrolyte imbalances can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, seizures, and other serious complications.
Question 6: What are the signs of fluid overload?
- Edema, weight gain, crackles in lungs, elevated blood pressure, and jugular vein distension (Correct answer)
- Only swollen feet
- Only weight gain
- No visible signs
Correct answer: Edema, weight gain, crackles in lungs, elevated blood pressure, and jugular vein distension
Fluid overload manifests across multiple systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, and peripheral.
LVN Nutrition and Fluid Balance 1
What are the signs of dehydration?