electrolytes

Question 1

What are the two compartments of fluid in the body?

Answer 1

Intracellular fluid (ICF) and extracellular fluid (ECF)

ICF makes up 70% of total body water, while ECF makes up 30%

Question 2

What percentage of total body water does the intracellular fluid represent?

Answer 2

70%

This is also 40% of body weight

Question 3

What are the two major areas of extracellular fluid?

Answer 3

• Intravascular (plasma)
• Interstitial fluids

Minor area includes transcellular fluids

Question 4

How does body fat influence total body water?

Answer 4

Fat cells contain little water; lean tissue is water-rich

Women and obese individuals have less body water due to higher body fat

Question 5

What is the average total body water percentage for healthy adults?

Answer 5

50% to 60% of body weight

Question 6

What is the role of water in the body?

Answer 6

• Transporting nutrients and wastes
• Facilitating cellular metabolism
• Acting as a solvent
• Helping maintain normal body temperature
• Facilitating digestion
• Promoting elimination

Question 7

What is the daily fluid intake from ingested food?

Answer 7

1,000 mL

Question 8

What is the primary solvent in the human body?

Answer 8

Water

Question 9

What are solutes?

Answer 9

Substances dissolved in a solution

Question 10

Define cations and name four examples.

Answer 10

Cations are ions with a positive charge. Examples: * Sodium * Potassium * Calcium * Hydrogen

Question 11

What is homeostasis in the context of electrolytes?

Answer 11

Total cations equal to total anions

Question 12

What is osmosis?

Answer 12

Water passes from an area of low solute concentration to high concentration until equilibrium is established

Question 13

What is the function of the kidneys in fluid and electrolyte balance?

Answer 13

Filter plasma, excrete urine, and regulate extracellular fluid

Question 14

What hormone does the pituitary gland release to regulate fluid balance?

Answer 14

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Question 15

What is the normal serum sodium level?

Answer 15

135 - 145 mEq/L

Question 16

What is the chief electrolyte of extracellular fluid?

Answer 16

Sodium

Question 17

What are the signs and symptoms of hypernatremia?

Answer 17

• Thirst
• Disorientation
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Coma

Question 18

What is the function of potassium in the body?

Answer 18

Controls intracellular osmolarity and regulates cell enzymes

Question 19

What are the signs of hypokalemia?

Answer 19

• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Cramps
• Paresthesia
• Decreased bowel motility
• Dysrhythmias

Question 20

What are the causes of hypercalcemia?

Answer 20

• Cancer
• Hyperparathyroidism

Question 21

What is the normal serum calcium level?

Answer 21

8.4 - 10.5 mg/dL

Question 22

What are the signs of hypomagnesemia?

Answer 22

• Weakness
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Mental changes
• Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
• Cardiac arrhythmias

Question 23

True or False: Fluid volume excess is known as hypervolemia.

Answer 23

True

Question 24

What is hypovolemia?

Answer 24

Loss of extracellular fluid volume exceeding fluid intake

Question 25

What is a significant finding of hypervolemia?

Answer 25

Edema and weight gain

Question 26

What is one self-care behavior to promote fluid and electrolyte balance?

Answer 26

Consume about 1.5 quarts of water per day

Question 27

What should be monitored to assess fluid and electrolyte balance?

Answer 27

* Fluid intake and output * Daily weights * Serum electrolytes

Question 28

What is the expected outcome for a patient regarding fluid intake and output?

Answer 28

The patient will achieve fluid intake and output balances as intake of _____ and output of ___________ in 2 days.

Question 29

What are the nursing diagnoses related to fluid and electrolyte imbalances?

Answer 29

* Fluid volume deficit (hypovolemia) * Fluid volume excess (hypervolemia) * Impaired fluid intake

Question 30

What is overhydration?

Answer 30

Above-normal amounts of water in extracellular spaces ## Footnote Overhydration can lead to various health issues, including edema.

Question 31

Define edema.

Answer 31

Excessive ECF accumulates in tissue spaces ## Footnote Common areas for edema include eyes, ankles, and sacral space.

Question 32

What are common signs of edema?

Answer 32

Weight gain in excess of 5% and accumulation in or around body organs ## Footnote Edema can be indicative of underlying health conditions.

Question 33

What is hyponatremia?

Answer 33

Low sodium levels in the blood ## Footnote Can lead to neurological symptoms and is a type of electrolyte imbalance.

Question 34

What is hypernatremia?

Answer 34

High sodium levels in the blood ## Footnote Often results from dehydration and can cause neurological issues.

Question 35

What is hypokalemia?

Answer 35

Low potassium levels in the blood ## Footnote Can lead to muscle weakness and cardiac problems.

Question 36

What is hyperkalemia?

Answer 36

High potassium levels in the blood ## Footnote Can cause serious cardiac disturbances.

Question 37

What is hypocalcemia?

Answer 37

Low calcium levels in the blood ## Footnote May result in muscle cramps and spasms.

Question 38

What is hypercalcemia?

Answer 38

High calcium levels in the blood ## Footnote Can lead to kidney stones and other complications.

Question 39

What is hypomagnesemia?

Answer 39

Low magnesium levels in the blood ## Footnote Can cause neuromuscular excitability and cardiovascular issues.

Question 40

What is hypermagnesemia?

Answer 40

High magnesium levels in the blood ## Footnote Can lead to muscle weakness and respiratory failure.

Question 41

What are the nursing implementations for fluid and electrolyte imbalances?

Answer 41

Prevent and correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances ## Footnote Nursing process includes assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.