NCLEX PN Fluid and Electrolytes Questions With
Complete Solutions
a client enters the emergency department confused, twitching,
and having seizures.
his family states he recently was placed on corticosteriods for
arthritis and was feeling better and exercising daily.
upon assessment, he has flushed skin, dry mucous membranes,
an elevated temperature, and poor skin turgor.
his serum sodium level is 172 mEq/L.
which interventions would the HCP likely prescribe?
select all that apply.
monitor the vital signs
monitor intake and output
increase water intake orally
monitor electrolyte levels
provide a sodium-reduced diet
administer sodium replacements Correct Answers monitor the
vital signs // monitor intake and output // increase water intake
orally // monitor electrolyte levels // provide a sodium-reduced
diet
rationale
hypernatremia is described as having a serum sodium level that
exceeds 145 mEq/L.
,signs and symptoms would include dry mucous membranes, loss
of skin turgor, thirst, flushed skin, elevated temperature,
oliguria, muscle twitching, fatigue, confusion, and seizures.
interventions include monitoring fluid balance, monitoring vital
signs, reducing dietary intake of sodium, monitoring electrolyte
levels, and increasing oral intake of water.
sodium replacement therapy would not be prescribed for a client
with hypernatremia.
a client enters the emergency department confused, twitching,
and having seizures.
his family states he recently was placed on corticosteroids for
arthritis and was feeling better and exercising daily.
on data collection, he has flushed skin, dry mucous membranes,
an elevated temperature, and poor skin turgor.
his serum sodium level is 172 mEq/L
which interventions would the HCP likely prescribe?
select all that apply
monitor vital signs
monitor electrolyte levels
increase water intake orally
monitor intake and output
maintain sodium-reduced diet
administer sodium replacements Correct Answers monitor vital
signs // monitor electrolyte levels // increase water intake
,orally // monitor intake and output // maintain sodium-reduced
diet
rationale
hypernatremia is described as having a serum sodium level that
exceeds 145 mEq/L
signs and symptoms would include dry mucous membranes, loss
of skin turgor, thirst, flushed skin, elevated temperature,
oliguria, muscle twitching, fatigue, confusion, and seizures.
interventions include monitoring fluid balance, monitoring vital
signs, reducing dietary intake of sodium, monitoring electrolyte
levels, and increasing oral intake of water.
sodium replacement therapy would not be prescribed for a client
with hypernatremia.
a client has a serum sodium level of 129 mEq/L because of
hypervolemia.
the nurse consults with the HCP to determine whether which
measure should be instituted?
a) restricting fluid intake
b) providing a 2-g sodium diet
c) providing a 4-g sodium diet
d) administering IV hypertonic saline Correct Answers a)
restricting fluid intake
rationale
, hyponatremia is defined as a serum sodium level of less than
135 mEq/L
when it is caused by hypervolemia, it may be treated with fluid
restriction.
the low serum sodium value is a result of hemodilution.
IV hypertonic saline (3%) is reserved for hyponatremia when
the serum sodium level is lower than 125 mEq/L
a 4-g sodium diet is a no-added-salt diet; a 2-g sodium diet does
not raise the serum sodium level
a client has been admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of
severe nausea and vomiting.
the client has an indwelling IV catheter.
the client's morning lab results show a serum blood sodium level
of 130 mEq/L and a serum blood chloride level of 92 mEq/L
which IV fluids will provide free water, sodium, and chloride to
the client?
select all that apply
ringers solution
0.9% NaCl in water solution
0.45% NaCl in water solution
Dextrose 5% in 0.225% NaCl solution
Dextrose 5% in lactated ringers solution Correct Answers
0.45% NaCl in water solution // dextrose 5% in 0.225% NaCl
solution