Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing clients for fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Which client should the nurse assess first for potential hyponatremia?

• A. A 34-year-old on NPO status who is receiving intravenous D5W
• B. A 50-year-old with an infection who is prescribed a sulfonamide antibiotic
• C. A 67-year-old who is experiencing pain and is prescribed ibuprofen (Motrin)
• D. A 73-year-old with tachycardia who is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the 34-year-old on NPO status receiving intravenous D5W because D5W is a hypotonic solution that can dilute the blood's sodium levels, leading to hyponatremia. Patients on NPO status rely solely on intravenous fluids for hydration, making them more susceptible to electrolyte imbalances. Choices B, C, and D are less likely to cause hyponatremia. Choice B, the 50-year-old with an infection on a sulfonamide antibiotic, is at risk for allergic reactions or renal issues. Choice C, the 67-year-old taking ibuprofen, is at risk for gastrointestinal bleeding or kidney problems. Choice D, the 73-year-old on digoxin with tachycardia, is more likely to experience digoxin toxicity, affecting the heart's rhythm.

2. A patient who is hospitalized with a possible electrolyte imbalance is disoriented and weak, has an irregular pulse, and takes hydrochlorothiazide. He most likely suffers from:

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hyponatremia
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Hypokalemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The patient is displaying symptoms of hypokalemia, including weakness, disorientation, irregular pulse, which can lead to cardiac disturbances. Hydrochlorothiazide is a potassium-wasting diuretic that can cause hypokalemia if not accompanied by potassium replacement therapy. Hypernatremia (choice A) is characterized by high sodium levels, not potassium. Hyponatremia (choice B) is low sodium levels. Hyperkalemia (choice C) is high potassium levels, which is not consistent with the symptoms described in the question.

3. What fluid is found in spaces between the cells?

• A. Intracellular fluid
• B. Interstitial fluid
• C. Plasma
• D. Electrolyte

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Interstitial fluid. Interstitial fluid is the fluid that surrounds and occupies the spaces between cells, providing them with nutrients and removing waste. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because intracellular fluid refers to fluid inside cells, plasma refers to the liquid component of blood, and electrolyte refers to substances that dissociate into ions in solution, affecting fluid balance but not specifically found in spaces between cells.

4. What is the most important regulator of the amount of sodium in the body?

• A. Kidneys
• B. Small intestine
• C. Large intestine
• D. Skin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Kidneys. The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating the amount of sodium in the body. They achieve this by filtering blood and controlling the excretion or reabsorption of sodium. The small intestine is primarily responsible for nutrient absorption, not sodium regulation. The large intestine is mainly involved in water absorption and waste elimination, not sodium balance. The skin helps regulate body temperature through sweating and does not directly regulate sodium levels.

5. What can cause dehydration?

• A. Prolonged vomiting.
• B. Prolonged diarrhea.
• C. Too little fluid intake.
• D. Prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, and too little fluid intake.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dehydration can result from significant fluid loss due to vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate fluid intake. Prolonged vomiting and diarrhea lead to excessive fluid loss from the body, contributing to dehydration. Similarly, not consuming enough fluids can also result in dehydration. Choice A and B are too specific as they only mention one cause each, while choice C is also correct but does not encompass all the potential causes of dehydration as mentioned in choice D.

Similar Questions