NCLEX Fluid and Electrolyte Balance 2

Question 1

A patient with a sodium level of 118 mEq/L develops confusion and seizures. Which IV fluid is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

3% NaCl (hypertonic saline)

Answer

Severe symptomatic hyponatremia with neurological symptoms requires hypertonic saline (3% NaCl) to safely correct the sodium deficit.

Question 2

Positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs are classic clinical manifestations of which electrolyte imbalance?

Accepted Answer

Hypocalcemia

Answer

Both signs indicate increased neuromuscular excitability caused by hypocalcemia.

Question 3

A patient has a serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L. Which food should the nurse instruct the patient to avoid?

Accepted Answer

Bananas

Answer

Bananas are high in potassium and must be avoided by patients with hyperkalemia to prevent further elevation.

Question 4

Which assessment finding is most characteristic of fluid volume excess (hypervolemia)?

Accepted Answer

Crackles (rales) in the lungs

Answer

Fluid volume excess causes pulmonary edema, which produces crackles on lung auscultation.

Question 5

A patient with chronic alcoholism is most at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?

Accepted Answer

Hypomagnesemia

Answer

Chronic alcoholism causes poor nutritional intake and increased renal excretion of magnesium, leading to hypomagnesemia.

NCLEX Practice Test