Fluid & Electrolytes Flashcards
You are caring for a client with a fractured right hip. The client’s lab values are: Hgb-15 Hct-46% sodium- 140mEq/L, chloride- 100mEq/L, and Potassium-6.5mEq/L. Which of the following observations is most concerning?
An episode of ventricular fibrillation
The nurse is caring for the client diagnosed with hypotonic dehydration. Which laboratory study should the nurse monitor?
Sodium level
Hypotonic dehydration results in loss of electrolytes in excess body fluids, resulting in hyponatremia.
A nurse is caring for an older adult who was admitted for dehydration. Which instruction will the nurse give to the client’s adult child to prevent this situation from happening again to the client?
“Encourage your parents to drink fluids throughout the day.”
You are caring for a client during the shock phase after suffering from full thickness burns. Which finding is expected?
Decreased urine output
The nurse notes that the client is confused, has poor skin turgor, dry mucous membranes, sunken eyeballs, and scanty amber urine. Which condition do these signs and/or symptoms suggest the client has?
Dehydration
The nurse cares for a client with chronic kidney disease. During review of the client’s lab values, the nurse notes the magnesium level is elevated. Which is the priority question for the nurse to ask the client?
“What over the counter medications do you take?”
You are the nurse caring for a client receiving IV fluids. You notice that the IV is not running. Which action should you take first?
Check the site.
A client has been admitted for persistent nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. A NG tube has been inserted and connected to suction. The physician orders D5W with 20mEq of potassium at 100ml/ hr. Why has the potassium chloride been added to the fluids?
To replace potassium lost during gastric suctioning.
You are administering IV fluids to a child. What is the purpose of utilizing a volume control set?
To decrease the risk of fluid overload
Which explanation best describes the phenomena known as “third “spacing”?
Fluid moves from vasculature to interstitial spaces
The emergency room nurse knows that the most frequent cause of tetany is:
Hypocalcemia
The nurse identifies nasogastric drainage, vomiting, diarrhea and the use of diuretics likely cause which electrolyte imbalance?
Hypokalemia
Two days after a total thyroidectomy, the client reports painful spasms in their hands. The client complains that their muscles tingle and twitch. The nurse identifies that the client has developed which electrolyte imbalance?
Hypocalcemia
Which information is essential for the nurse to gather prior to administration of potassium IV to the elderly client?
The client’s urine output
The nurse understands that fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, U wave and nausea are signs of which imbalance?
Hypokalemia
