Nursing Elites

1. What is the most abundant positive ion in blood plasma?

• A. Potassium.
• B. Calcium.
• C. Sodium.
• D. Both potassium and sodium are in equal concentrations.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sodium. Sodium (Na+) is the most abundant cation in the extracellular fluid, including blood plasma. It plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and is essential for various physiological processes. Choice A, Potassium, is also an important ion in the body but is predominantly found intracellularly. Choice B, Calcium, is an essential mineral in the body but is not the most abundant positive ion in blood plasma. Choice D is incorrect as sodium is the primary positive ion in blood plasma, with a much higher concentration compared to potassium.

2. What percentage of body water can be as high as in a newborn?

• A. 80%.
• B. 70%.
• C. 60%.
• D. 90%.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 80%. Newborns can have a body water content as high as 80% due to their higher total body water compared to adults. Choice B (70%) is incorrect because newborns typically have a higher body water percentage. Choice C (60%) is also incorrect as it underestimates the body water content in newborns. Choice D (90%) is incorrect as it overestimates the body water percentage in newborns.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has the following laboratory results: potassium 3.4 mEq/L, magnesium 1.8 mEq/L, calcium 8.5 mEq/L, sodium 144 mEq/L. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?

• A. Depth of respirations
• B. Bowel sounds
• C. Grip strength
• D. Electrocardiography

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Depth of respirations.' In a client with electrolyte imbalances like low potassium (hypokalemia) and low magnesium (hypomagnesemia), respiratory changes, such as shallow respirations or respiratory muscle weakness, can occur and lead to respiratory compromise. Assessing the depth of respirations is crucial to evaluate respiratory function in this client. Bowel sounds, grip strength, and electrocardiography are also important assessments in different situations, but in this case, respiratory assessment takes priority due to the potential impact of electrolyte imbalances on breathing.

4. .A nurse assesses a clients peripheral IV site, and notices edema and tenderness above the site. Which action should the nurse take next?

• A. Apply cold compresses to the IV site.
• B. Elevate the extremity on a pillow.
• C. Flush the catheter with normal saline.
• D. . Stop the infusion of intravenous fluids.

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

5. An increase in capillary blood pressure would tend to:

• A. increase interstitial fluid volume.
• B. increase plasma volume.
• C. decrease interstitial fluid volume.
• D. increase plasma volume and decrease interstitial fluid volume.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An increase in capillary blood pressure leads to a higher force pushing fluid out of the capillaries into the interstitial space, thereby increasing interstitial fluid volume. Choice B is incorrect because capillary blood pressure affects the movement of fluid into the interstitial space, not into the plasma. Choice C is incorrect as an increase in capillary blood pressure would not decrease interstitial fluid volume. Choice D is incorrect as it combines contradictory effects when capillary blood pressure increases.

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