A toddler in the pediatric unit has been taking fluids well according to the parents. The nurse knows that her most important intervention to assess the childs fluid status is to:
- Weigh diapers.
- Monitor intake and output.
- Weigh the baby daily.
- Check color of urine.
C (weigh daily)
The pediatric nurse knows that a severely dehydrated childs’ blood pressure is not a valid indicator for impending shock due to it’s ability to compensate.
True or False
True
What is homeostasis?
- The condition of being as close to normal as possible for proper body system functioning.
- A balance of solvents and solutes for proper body functioning.
- A balance of fluid and electrolytes to maintain proper body function.
- the regulation of water and blood with other body substances.
C (balance of fluid and electrolytes)
The nurse knows that she needs to closely assess the elderly patients’ fluid and electrolyte status because of which age related changes:
- Over 60% of the body weight of an older adult is water.
- Skin turgor is a reliable measure of body fluid levels.
- Thirst sensation is blunted.
- Elderly patients have increased appetites.
C (thirst sensation is blunted)
A client at risk for fluid volume excess should be taught to:
- Increase diuretic dose if swelling occurs.
- Limit the amount of free water in relation to sodium intake.
- Monitor his or her skin turgor.
- Weigh self each day on the same scale.
D (weigh self each day)
The nurse knows that mild dehydration is best treated with:
- Diuretics.
- Intravenous fluid replacement.
- Oral fluids.
- Tube feedings.
C (oral fluids)
The patient with a potassium level of 2.0 is to get potassium replacements through the intravenous catheter. The nurse is very concerned about the severely low level of potassium however the nurse is aware that a complication of rapid infusion of IV potassium is:
- Pulmonary edema.
- Cardiac arrest.
- Postural hypotension.
- Renal failure
B (cardiac arrest)
Which statement indicates the client understands the treatment of hypokalemia?
- “My wife does all the cooking. She shops for food high in calcium.”
- “When I take the liquid potassium in the evening, I’ll eat a snack beforehand.”
- “I will avoid bananas, orange juice, and salt substitutes.”
- “I hate being stuck with needles all the time to monitor how much sugar I can eat.”
B
If hyperkalemia results from dehydration, laboratory findings may include which of the following?
- Increased hemoglobin and hematocrit.
- Decreased serum electrolyte levels.
- Increased urine output.
- Decreased serum potassium.
A (increased hemoglobin and hematocrit)
Which of the following is not an assessment finding associated with hyperkalemia?
- Wheezing on exhalation.
- Numbness in hands, feet, and around the mouth.
- Frequent, explosive diarrhea stools.
- Irregular heart rate and hypotension.
A (wheezing on exhalation)
