Chapter 39. Fluids, Electrolytes, & Acid-Base Balance

Chapter 39. Fluids, Electrolytes, & Acid-Base Balance

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

Multiple Choice

Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.

 

____       1.   Which body fluid lies in the spaces between the body cells?

1)

Interstitial

2)

Intracellular

3)

Intravascular

4)

Transcellular

 

 

ANS:       1

Extracellular fluid lies outside the cells. It is composed of three types of fluid: interstitial, intravascular, and transcellular. Interstitial fluid lies in the spaces between the body cells. Intracellular fluid is contained within the cells. Intravascular fluid is the plasma within the blood. Transcellular fluid includes specialized fluids, such as cerebrospinal, pleural, peritoneal, and synovial; and digestive juices.

 

PTS:    1                      DIF:    Easy                REF:    p. 1383

KEY:   Nursing process: N/A | Client need: HPM | Cognitive level: Recall

 

 

 

____       2.   Chloride, bicarbonate, phosphate, and sulfate are examples of what type of charged particles and why?

1)

Cations, because they carry a positive charge

2)

Cations, because they carry a negative charge

3)

Anions, because they carry a positive charge

4)

Anions, because they carry a negative charge

 

 

ANS:       4

Anions are electrolytes that carry a negative charge; they include chloride, bicarbonate, phosphate, and sulfate. Electrolytes that carry a positive charge are called cations. Cations include sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

 

PTS:    1                      DIF:    Moderate        REF:    p. 1383

KEY:   Nursing process: N/A | Client need: PHSI | Cognitive level: Comprehension

 

 

 

____       3.   A patient is brought to the emergency department (ED) by paramedics after a person standing on the sidewalk saw him fall on a crowded street. He has a history of alcoholism and is frequently brought to the ED. The nurse finds the patient to be disoriented; he has periods of being calm mixed with episodes of being disruptive and loud. His vital signs are the following: BP 138/84 mm Hg; pulse 135 beats/min, regular and strong; respiratory rate 22 breaths/min; temperature 37.1°C (98.1°F). What electrolyte imbalance might the nurse suspect?

1)

Hypomagnesemia

2)

Hypocalcemia

3)

Hyperkalemia

4)

Hypernatremia

 

 

ANS:       1

Hypomagnesemia is a frequent consequence of alcoholism. Signs and symptoms include disorientation, mood changes, and tachycardia. Hypocalcemia, a low calcium level, is associated with muscle spasms and tetany. Hyperkalemia, a high potassium level, manifests as weakness, fatigue, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Hypernatremia, a high sodium level, produces extreme thirst and agitation.

 

PTS:    1                      DIF:    Difficult          REF:    p. 1392

KEY:   Nursing process: Diagnosis | Client need: PHSI | Cognitive level: Analysis

 

 

 

____       4.   The passive process by which molecules of a solute move through a cell membrane from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration is called which of the following?

1)

Osmosis

2)

Filtration

3)

Hydrostatic pressure

4)

Diffusion

 

 

ANS:       4

Diffusion is a passive process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. Osmosis is the movement of water across a membrane from an area of a less-concentrated solution to an area of more-concentrated solution. Filtration is the movement of water and smaller particles from an area of high pressure to low pressure. Hydrostatic pressure is the force created by fluid within a closed system.

 

PTS:    1                      DIF:    Moderate        REF:    p. 1384

KEY:   Nursing process: N/A | Client need: HPM | Cognitive level: Recall

 

 

 

____       5.   A client is admitted to the emergency department (ED) in respiratory distress. The results of his arterial blood gases are the following: pH = 7.30; P_CO2 = 40; HCO₃ = 19 mEq/L; P_O2 = 80. The nurse interprets the findings as which of the following?

1)

Respiratory acidosis with normal oxygen levels

2)

Respiratory alkalosis with hypoxia

3)

Metabolic acidosis with normal oxygen levels

4)

Metabolic alkalosis with hypoxia

 

 

ANS:       3

The pH is acidotic. The HCO₃ of 19 mEq/L is low and has moved in the same direction as the pH, indicating a metabolic disorder. The P_CO2 is within normal range with no signs of compensation. The P_O2 level is normal.

 

PTS:    1                      DIF:    Difficult          REF:    pp. 1393-1395

KEY:   Nursing process: Diagnosis | Client need: PHSI | Cognitive level: Analysis