FLUID AND ELECTROLYTE DISORDERS FOR NURSING STUDENTS, CONDITION NAMES, CAUSE, TREATMENT LAB VALUUES, NURSING EDUCATION

Question 1

What is the primary function of electrolytes in the body?

Answer 1

To regulate nerve and muscle function, hydrate the body, balance blood acidity and pressure, and help rebuild damaged tissue.

Question 2

Name one common fluid imbalance disorder.

Answer 2

Dehydration.

Question 3

What is the main cause of hyponatremia?

Answer 3

Low sodium levels in the blood, often due to excessive fluid intake or loss of sodium.

Question 4

True or False: Hyperkalemia refers to low potassium levels in the blood.

Answer 4

False.

Question 5

Fill in the blank: The normal range for serum sodium levels is _____ to _____ mEq/L.

Answer 5

135 to 145 mEq/L.

Question 6

What are the signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia?

Answer 6

Nausea, vomiting, confusion, muscle weakness, and fatigue.

Question 7

What is the treatment for hypomagnesemia?

Answer 7

Oral or intravenous magnesium supplementation.

Question 8

True or False: Fluid overload can lead to pulmonary edema.

Answer 8

True.

Question 9

What is the primary treatment for dehydration?

Answer 9

Fluid replacement therapy.

Question 10

Name a common cause of hypernatremia.

Answer 10

Excessive water loss, often due to dehydration.

Question 11

What is the role of potassium in the body?

Answer 11

To help regulate heart function, muscle contractions, and nerve signals.

Question 12

Fill in the blank: The normal range for serum potassium levels is _____ to _____ mEq/L.

Answer 12

3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.

Question 13

What is a potential complication of untreated hypokalemia?

Answer 13

Arrhythmias or cardiac arrest.

Question 14

True or False: Calcium plays a critical role in blood clotting.

Answer 14

True.

Question 15

What is the nursing priority in managing fluid and electrolyte imbalances?

Answer 15

Monitoring vital signs and laboratory values.

Question 16

What are common signs of dehydration?

Answer 16

Dry mouth, decreased urine output, and dizziness.

Question 17

What is the treatment for hyperkalemia?

Answer 17

Administering calcium gluconate, insulin with glucose, or diuretics.

Question 18

Fill in the blank: The normal range for serum calcium levels is _____ to _____ mg/dL.

Answer 18

8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL.

Question 19

What is the primary cause of hypocalcemia?

Answer 19

Vitamin D deficiency or parathyroid hormone deficiency.

Question 20

Name one sign of hypermagnesemia.

Answer 20

Muscle weakness.

Question 21

True or False: Sodium is the most abundant electrolyte in the extracellular fluid.

Answer 21

True.

Question 22

What is the significance of osmosis in fluid balance?

Answer 22

It regulates the movement of water across cell membranes.

Question 23

What is a common nursing intervention for patients with fluid overload?

Answer 23

Restricting fluid intake.

Question 24

Fill in the blank: The normal range for serum chloride levels is _____ to _____ mEq/L.

Answer 24

98 to 106 mEq/L.

Question 25

What are the signs and symptoms of metabolic acidosis?

Answer 25

Rapid breathing, confusion, and fatigue.

Question 26

What is the main cause of respiratory alkalosis?

Answer 26

Hyperventilation.

Question 27

True or False: Electrolyte imbalances can affect drug efficacy.

Answer 27

True.

Question 28

What is the purpose of IV fluids in treating electrolyte disorders?

Answer 28

To restore normal fluid and electrolyte balance.

Question 29

What is the nursing role in patient education regarding fluid and electrolyte balance?

Answer 29

Educating patients on dietary sources of electrolytes and signs of imbalances.

Question 30

Name a common laboratory test used to assess electrolyte levels.

Answer 30

Basic metabolic panel (BMP).

Question 31

What is the typical treatment for hyperphosphatemia?

Answer 31

Phosphate binders.

Question 32

Fill in the blank: The normal range for serum phosphorus levels is _____ to _____ mg/dL.

Answer 32

2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL.

Question 33

What are the signs of hypochloremia?

Answer 33

Muscle twitching, weakness, and respiratory distress.

Question 34

True or False: Fluid and electrolyte imbalances can lead to kidney dysfunction.

Answer 34

True.

Question 35

What is the primary goal of treatment for fluid and electrolyte disorders?

Answer 35

To restore and maintain normal balance.

Question 36

What role does the kidneys play in electrolyte balance?

Answer 36

They filter blood and regulate electrolyte levels through excretion and reabsorption.

Question 37

What is the primary electrolyte affected in renal failure?

Answer 37

Potassium.

Question 38

Fill in the blank: The normal range for serum bicarbonate levels is _____ to _____ mEq/L.

Answer 38

22 to 28 mEq/L.

Question 39

What is the effect of dehydration on blood pressure?

Answer 39

It can cause hypotension.

Question 40

Name a nursing consideration when administering IV fluids.

Answer 40

Monitor for signs of fluid overload.

Question 41

What is the main sign of hypovolemia?

Answer 41

Decreased blood pressure.

Question 42

True or False: Hypernatremia can occur from excessive sodium intake.

Answer 42

True.

Question 43

What is a common symptom of hyperkalemia?

Answer 43

Palpitations or irregular heartbeat.

Question 44

What is the nursing intervention for a patient with hypocalcemia?

Answer 44

Administer calcium supplements as prescribed.

Question 45

Fill in the blank: The normal range for serum magnesium levels is _____ to _____ mEq/L.

Answer 45

1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L.

Question 46

What is the effect of excessive fluid intake on electrolyte levels?

Answer 46

It can dilute electrolytes, causing imbalances.

Question 47

Name a common cause of hypophosphatemia.

Answer 47

Malnutrition or refeeding syndrome.

Question 48

What role do diuretics play in the treatment of fluid imbalances?

Answer 48

They help remove excess fluid from the body.

Question 49

True or False: Patients with liver disease are at risk for fluid imbalances.

Answer 49

True.

Question 50

What is the primary symptom of hypervolemia?

Answer 50

Swelling or edema.

Question 51

What electrolyte is primarily lost through sweat?

Answer 51

Sodium.

Question 52

What is the nursing responsibility when a patient is receiving potassium supplementation?

Answer 52

Monitor cardiac rhythm.

Question 53

Fill in the blank: The term for low blood sodium is _____ and for high blood sodium is _____.

Answer 53

Hyponatremia; Hypernatremia.

Question 54

What is the primary purpose of electrolyte replacement therapy?

Answer 54

To restore normal electrolyte levels in the body.