Fluid and Electrolytes

Question 1

What does ICF stand for?

Answer 1

Intracellular Fluid

Question 2

What does ECF stand for?

Answer 2

Extracellular Fluid

Question 3

Define Hyponatremia.

Answer 3

Net gain of water or loss of sodium-rich fluids; sodium levels less than 136 mEq/L.

Question 4

What are the solids percentage in females and males?

Answer 4

Female 45%, Male 40%

Question 5

What are the fluids percentage in females and males?

Answer 5

Female 55%, Male 60%

Question 6

What is the distribution ratio of ICF to ECF?

Answer 6

2/3 ICF, 1/3 ECF

Question 7

What is osmosis?

Answer 7

Fluid moves from higher concentration to lower concentration.

Question 8

What is diffusion?

Answer 8

Molecules move from higher concentration to lower concentration (concentration gradient).

Question 9

What is filtration?

Answer 9

Fluid and diffusible substances move together across a membrane; moving from higher pressure to lower pressure.

Question 10

What is hydrostatic pressure?

Answer 10

Fluids move from an area of higher pressure to an area of lower pressure.

Question 11

What is Fluid Volume Deficit (FVD)?

Answer 11

Negative fluid balance; dehydration; volume depletion.

Question 12

What are some risk factors for Fluid Volume Deficit (FVD)?

Answer 12

• Physiologic fluid loss
• GI losses
• Burns
• Excessive sweating
• Third-spacing
• Disease, illness, injury

Question 13

What is Fluid Volume Excess (FVE)?

Answer 13

Excess fluid in the body often associated with disease states.

Question 14

What are some risk factors for Fluid Volume Excess (FVE)?

Answer 14

• Cardiac disorders
• Liver cirrhosis
• Kidney disease/injury
• Pregnancy
• Age older than 65 with impaired renal or cardiac function.

Question 15

What is the role of the nurse in managing fluid imbalances?

Answer 15

• Increase fluid and possibly sodium intake for FVD
• Restrict fluid and possibly sodium intake for FVE
• Employ fall prevention measures
• Maintain proficiency in IV therapy administration
• Provide client education.

Question 16

What are the normal sodium levels?

Answer 16

136-145 mEq/L

Question 17

What is the definition of Hyponatremia?

Answer 17

Sodium level less than 136 mEq/L.

Question 18

What are the expected findings of Hyponatremia?

Answer 18

• Tachycardia
• Thready rapid pulse
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Bounding pulse
• Hyperactive bowel sounds
• Decreased deep-tendon reflexes (DTRs)
• Seizures.

Question 19

What are the lab tests for Hyponatremia?

Answer 19

• Urine sodium less than 20 mEq/L (sodium loss)
• Urine sodium greater than 20 (SIADH)
• Decreased blood osmolarity.

Question 20

Define Hypernatremia.

Answer 20

Blood sodium level greater than 145 mEq/L.

Question 21

What are the expected findings of Hypernatremia?

Answer 21

• Thirst
• Hyperthermia
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Muscle twitching
• Dry mucous membranes.

Question 22

What are the normal potassium levels?

Answer 22

3.5-5.0 mEq/L

Question 23

What is Hypokalemia?

Answer 23

Potassium level less than 3.5 mEq/L.

Question 24

What are the expected findings of Hypokalemia?

Answer 24

• Bilateral muscle weakness
• Abdominal distention
• Decreased bowel sounds
• Dysrhythmia.

Question 25

What is Hyperkalemia?

Answer 25

Potassium level greater than 5.0 mEq/L.

Question 26

What are the expected findings of Hyperkalemia?

Answer 26

* Slow irregular pulse * Premature ventricular contractions * Peaked T waves.

Question 27

What are the normal calcium levels?

Answer 27

9.0-10.5 mg/dL

Question 28

What is Hypocalcemia?

Answer 28

Calcium level less than 9.0 mg/dL.

Question 29

What are the expected findings of Hypocalcemia?

Answer 29

* Paresthesia of fingers and lips * Hyperactive reflexes * Tetany.

Question 30

What is Hypercalcemia?

Answer 30

Calcium level greater than 10.5 mg/dL.

Question 31

What are the expected findings of Hypercalcemia?

Answer 31

* Anorexia * Fatigue * Hypoactive reflexes.

Question 32

What are the normal magnesium levels?

Answer 32

1.3-2.1 mEq/L

Question 33

What is Hypomagnesemia?

Answer 33

Magnesium level less than 1.8 mEq/L.

Question 34

What are the expected findings of Hypomagnesemia?

Answer 34

* Positive Chvostek’s sign * Hyperactive reflexes * Dysphagia.

Question 35

What is Hypermagnesemia?

Answer 35

Magnesium level greater than 2.6 mEq/L.

Question 36

What are the expected findings of Hypermagnesemia?

Answer 36

* Hypotension * Hypo-reflexes * Muscular weakness.

Question 37

What is the normal phosphorus level?

Answer 37

3.0-4.5 mg/dL

Question 38

What is Hypophosphatemia?

Answer 38

Phosphorus level less than 2.7 mg/dL.

Question 39

What are the expected findings of Hypophosphatemia?

Answer 39

* Confusion * Lethargy * Seizures.

Question 40

What is Hyperphosphatemia?

Answer 40

Phosphorus level greater than 4.5 mg/dL.

Question 41

What are the expected findings of Hyperphosphatemia?

Answer 41

* Tachycardia * Anorexia * Vomiting.