Chapter 17: Fluids and Electrolytes- Misc.

Question 1

This ECG pattern is consistent with which electrolyte abnormality?

Answer 1

Hyperkalemia: peaked T waves

Question 2

If hyperkalemia is left untreated, what can occur?

Answer 2

Ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation → death

Question 3

Which electrolyte is an inotrope?

Answer 3

Calcium

Question 4

What are the major cardiac electrolytes?

Answer 4

Potassium (dysrhythmias), magnesium (dysrhythmias), calcium(dysrhythmias/inotrope)

Question 5

What is the most common cause of electrolyte-mediated ileus?

Answer 5

Hypokalemia

Question 6

What is a colloid fluid?

Answer 6

Protein-containing fluid (albumin)

Question 7

An elderly patient goes into CHF (congestive heart failure) on POD#3 after a laparotomy. What is going on?

Answer 7

Mobilization of the “third-space” fluid into the intravascular space, resulting in fluid overload and resultant CHF (but also must rule out MI)

Question 8

What fluid is used to replace NGT (gastric) aspirate?

Answer 8

D5 1/2 NS with 20 KCl

Question 9

What electrolyte is associated with succinylcholine?

Answer 9

Hyperkalemia

Question 10

28-year-old woman s/p total abdominal colectomy and ileostomynow with increased ileostomy output and U waves on EKG

Answer 10

Hypokalemia

Question 11

51-year-old man with alcoholic cirrhosis has a sodium level of 127. The intern corrects the sodium to 140 in 1 hour with hypertonic saline and reveals neurologic signs and symptoms

Answer 11

Central pontine myelinosis

Question 12

56-year-old male alcoholic with new-onset NGT feeds develops hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, and hypomagnesemia

Answer 12

Refeeding syndrome

Question 13

70-year-old male s/p fall with a subdural develops hypernatremiawith copious amounts of urine

Answer 13

Diabetes insipidus

Question 14

80-year-old female s/p fall with a subdural hematoma develops hyponatremia and increase in urine osmolality with normal urine output

Answer 14

SIADH