Chapter 16: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Imbalances

Chapter 16: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Imbalances

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. The nurse is caring for a patient with a massive burn injury and possible hypovolemia. Which assessment data will be of most concern to the nurse?

a.	Urine output is 30 mL/hr.
b.	Blood pressure is 90/40 mm Hg.
c.	Oral fluid intake is 100 mL for the past 8 hours.
d.	There is prolonged skin tenting over the sternum.

 

 

ANS:  B

The blood pressure indicates that the patient may be developing hypovolemic shock as a result of intravascular fluid loss because of the burn injury. This finding will require immediate intervention to prevent the complications associated with systemic hypoperfusion. The poor oral intake, decreased urine output, and skin tenting all indicate the need for increasing the patient’s fluid intake but not as urgently as the hypotension.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis)                                  REF:   276

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

 

2. A patient who has a small cell carcinoma of the lung develops syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). The nurse should notify the health care provider about which assessment finding?

a.	Serum hematocrit of 42%
b.	Serum sodium level of 120 mg/dL
c.	Reported weight gain of 2.2 lb (1 kg)
d.	Urinary output of 280 mL during past 8 hours

 

 

ANS:  B

Hyponatremia is the most important finding to report. SIADH causes water retention and a decrease in serum sodium level. Hyponatremia can cause confusion and other central nervous system effects. A critically low value likely needs to be treated. At least 30 mL/hr of urine output indicates adequate kidney function. The hematocrit level is normal. Weight gain is expected with SIADH because of water retention.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Apply (application)           REF:               279

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

 

3. A patient with multiple draining wounds is admitted for hypovolemia. Which assessment would be the most accurate way for the nurse to evaluate fluid balance?

a.	Skin turgor	c.	Urine output
b.	Daily weight	d.	Edema presence

 

 

ANS:  B

Daily weight is the most easily obtained and accurate means of assessing volume status. Skin turgor varies considerably with age. Considerable excess fluid volume may be present before fluid moves into the interstitial space and causes edema. Urine outputs do not take account of fluid intake or of fluid loss through insensible loss, sweating, or loss from the gastrointestinal tract or wounds.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis)                                  REF:   277

TOP:   Nursing Process: Evaluation            MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

 

4. The home health nurse cares for an alert and oriented older adult patient with a history of dehydration. Which instructions should the nurse give this patient related to fluid intake?

a.	“Drink more fluids in the late evening.”
b.	“Increase fluids if your mouth feels dry.”
c.	“More fluids are needed if you feel thirsty.”
d.	“If you feel confused, you need more to drink.”

 

 

ANS:  B

An alert older patient will be able to self-assess for signs of oral dryness such as thick oral secretions or dry-appearing mucosa. The thirst mechanism decreases with age and is not an accurate indicator of volume depletion. Many older patients prefer to restrict fluids slightly in the evening to improve sleep quality. The patient will not be likely to notice and act appropriately when changes in level of consciousness occur.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Apply (application)           REF:               277

TOP:   Nursing Process: Implementation     MSC:  NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance

 

5. A patient who is taking a potassium-wasting diuretic for treatment of hypertension complains of generalized weakness. Which action is appropriate for the nurse to take?

a.	Assess for facial muscle spasms.
b.	Ask the patient about loose stools.
c.	Recommend the patient avoid drinking orange juice with meals.
d.	Suggest that the health care provider order a basic metabolic panel.

 

 

ANS:  D

Generalized weakness is a manifestation of hypokalemia. After the health care provider orders the metabolic panel, the nurse should check the potassium level. Facial muscle spasms might occur with hypocalcemia. Orange juice is high in potassium and would be advisable to drink if the patient is hypokalemic. Loose stools are associated with hyperkalemia.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Apply (application)           REF:               281

TOP:   Nursing Process: Implementation     MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity