Fluid & Electrolytes Flashcards
During a period of extreme excess fluid volume, a renal dialysis patient may be
administered which type of IV solution to shrink the swollen cells by pulling water outof
the cell?
A) 0.9% sodium chloride
B) 5% dextrose and water
C) 3% sodium chloride
D) Lactated Ringer solution
ANSWER: C
Feedback:
When cells are placed in a hypotonic solution, which has a lower effective osmolality
than the ICF, they swell as water moves into the cell, and when they are placed in a
hypertonic solution, which has a greater effective osmolality than the ICF, they shrinkas
water is pulled out of the cell.
A 34-year-old male client has diagnoses of liver failure, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy
secondary to alcohol abuse. The client’s family is questioning the care team as to why his
abdomen is so large even though he is undernourished and emaciated. Which of the
following statements most accurately underlies the explanationthat a member of the care
team would provide the family?
A) An inordinate amount of interstitial fluid is accumulating his abdomen.
B) The transcellular component of the intracellular fluid compartment contains far
more fluid than normal.
C) Normally small transcelluUlar fluidGcomBpaCrtOmMent, or third space, is becoming
enlarged.
D) Gravity-dependent plasma is accumulating in his peritoneal cavity.
ANSWER: C
Feedback:
Ascites is characterized by an accumulation of fluid in the transcellular component of the
ECF, not ICF. The fluid is not categorized as belonging to the plasma component ofthe
ECF.
