NACE Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

Question 1

A patient's serum sodium is 128 mEq/L. Which symptom would the nurse most likely assess?

Accepted Answer

Muscle cramps and irritability

Answer

Extreme thirst and dry mucous membranes

Answer

Decreased deep tendon reflexes and bradycardia

Answer

Hypertension and flushed skin

Question 2

Which IV solution is classified as isotonic?

Accepted Answer

0.9% sodium chloride

Answer

0.45% sodium chloride

Answer

3% sodium chloride

Answer

5% dextrose in 0.45% sodium chloride

Question 3

A patient with chronic renal failure has a serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L. Which ECG change would the nurse anticipate first?

Accepted Answer

Peaked T waves

Answer

Prolonged PR interval only

Answer

Flattened T waves with prominent U waves

Answer

ST-segment depression

Question 4

A postoperative patient receiving 3 L of IV fluids daily develops a new respiratory finding. Which assessment finding indicates fluid overload?

Accepted Answer

Bilateral crackles at the lung bases

Answer

Urine output of 50 mL/hr

Answer

Blood pressure 88/60 mmHg

Answer

Serum sodium 138 mEq/L

Question 5

Which clinical finding is most consistent with severe dehydration in an adult patient?

Accepted Answer

Poor skin turgor and concentrated urine

Answer

Bradycardia and hypertension

Answer

Bounding pulse and jugular vein distension

Answer

Peripheral edema and ascites

Question 6

A patient's serum potassium is 2.9 mEq/L. Which intervention is the priority nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Place the patient on continuous cardiac monitoring

Answer

Administer IV potassium chloride via rapid IV push

Answer

Restrict dietary potassium intake

Answer

Administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)

Question 7

Which patient is at greatest risk for developing hypernatremia?

Accepted Answer

A 70-year-old with advanced dementia who cannot request fluids independently

Answer

A 45-year-old receiving furosemide therapy for heart failure

Answer

A 30-year-old diagnosed with SIADH

Answer

A 60-year-old with fluid overload from cirrhosis