Chapter 6. Nursing Care of Patients With Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid–Base Imbalances

Chapter 6. Nursing Care of Patients With Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid–Base Imbalances

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.   A patient is prescribed an electrolyte replacement. How should the nurse explain the purpose of an electrolyte to the patient?

____     2.   A student nurse is reviewing the use of intravenous (IV) fluids for a school paper. Which definition should the student use to explain the process of diffusion?

____     3.   The nurse is preparing to provide a patient with an IV fluid that has a lower osmolarity than blood. Which type of fluid should the nurse document that the patient is going to receive?

____     4.   The nurse is concerned that a patient has a high volume of insensible water loss. What is the patient experiencing that is causing the nurse this concern?

____     5.   An older patient with a colostomy was admitted for weakness, nausea, vomiting, and loose stools. Which action should the nurse take first to determine the effectiveness of this patient’s care?

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. ANS:  B
2. Electrolytes are chemicals that can conduct electricity when dissolved in water. Examples of electrolytes are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, acids, and bases. A. A substance that enhances a chemical reaction is a catalyst. C. A substance that uses electrical current to attach to receptor sites does not define any substance having to do with an electrolyte. D. A substance secreted by a gland that carries messages to target tissues is a hormone.

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Moderate

KEY:  Client Need: Physiological Integrity—Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies | Cognitive Level: Application

2. ANS:  C
3. Diffusion is a process in which a substance moves from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. D. Movement of water refers to osmosis. A. Active transport involves expenditure of energy. B. Filtration is promoted by hydrostatic pressure differences between areas.

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Moderate

KEY:  Client Need: Physiological Integrity—Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies | Cognitive Level: Application

3. ANS:  B
4. A solution that has a lower osmolarity than blood is called hypotonic. A. A fluid that has the same osmolarity as the blood is called isotonic. C. Hypertonic solutions exert greater osmotic pressure than blood. D. A substance that is hydrophobic does not dissolve in water.

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Moderate

KEY:  Client Need: Physiological Integrity—Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies | Cognitive Level: Application

4. ANS:  D
5. Insensible losses may occur without the person recognizing the loss. Perspiration and water lost through respiration and feces are examples of insensible losses. A. B. C. Sensible losses are those of which the person is aware such as urination, vomiting, and diarrhea.

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Moderate

KEY:  Client Need: Physiological Integrity—Reduction of Risk Potential | Cognitive Level: Analysis

5. ANS:  A
6. This patient is at risk for dehydration. Daily weight is the most reliable indicator of fluid loss or gain. B. Specific gravity is an indirect measure of fluid balance. C. Pulse oximetry reflects oxygenation status and is not related to hydration. D. Creatinine clearance is a measure of kidney function.

PTS:     1          DIF:     Moderate