NCLEX Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

Question 1

A patient has a serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L. Which condition does this value indicate?

Accepted Answer

Hyponatremia

Answer

Hypernatremia

Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hypokalemia

Question 2

Which electrolyte is the primary regulator of extracellular fluid osmolarity?

Accepted Answer

Sodium

Answer

Potassium

Answer

Calcium

Answer

Magnesium

Question 3

A patient receiving furosemide (Lasix) is at greatest risk for which electrolyte imbalance?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hypernatremia

Answer

Hypercalcemia

Answer

Hypermagnesemia

Question 4

What is the normal serum potassium range?

Accepted Answer

3.5–5.0 mEq/L

Answer

2.5–3.5 mEq/L

Answer

5.0–6.5 mEq/L

Answer

1.5–2.5 mEq/L

Question 5

Which clinical finding is most characteristic of fluid volume deficit (dehydration)?

Accepted Answer

Poor skin turgor

Answer

Bounding pulse

Answer

Increased urine output

Answer

Bradycardia

Question 6

A patient with hyperkalemia would most likely display which ECG change?

Accepted Answer

Peaked T waves

Answer

Prolonged PR interval only

Answer

Prominent U waves

Answer

ST-segment depression

Question 7

Which condition is most likely to cause hypocalcemia?

Accepted Answer

Hypoparathyroidism

Answer

Hyperparathyroidism

Answer

Milk-alkali syndrome

Answer

Prolonged immobility