Nursing Elites

1. Which organ has the greatest effect on fluid output?

• A. Kidneys
• B. Lungs
• C. Skin
• D. Intestines

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the kidneys. The kidneys are primarily responsible for regulating fluid balance by filtering blood and adjusting the volume and concentration of urine. The lungs primarily regulate gas exchange, not fluid balance. The skin plays a role in temperature regulation and protection but is not the primary organ for fluid output. The intestines are mainly involved in the absorption of nutrients and water, rather than fluid output.

2. A patient with hypokalemia and heart failure is admitted to the telemetry unit. The nurse is aware that hypokalemia could cause which of the following abnormalities on an electrocardiogram (ECG)?

• A. Shortened P-R interval
• B. Inverted T wave
• C. Depressed U wave
• D. Elevated U wave

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Elevated U wave. Hypokalemia is associated with ECG changes such as an elevated U wave and flattened T waves. Choice A, a shortened P-R interval, is not typically seen in hypokalemia. Choice B, an inverted T wave, is more commonly associated with ischemia or CNS injury rather than hypokalemia. Choice C, a depressed U wave, is not a typical ECG abnormality seen in hypokalemia. Therefore, the correct ECG abnormality associated with hypokalemia is an elevated U wave.

3. 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.

4. How would a decrease in blood protein concentration impact the fluid volumes?

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

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A decrease in blood protein concentration would lead to a reduction in osmotic pressure, which is responsible for drawing fluid back into the capillaries. This decrease in osmotic pressure would result in an increase in interstitial fluid volume as fluid moves out of the capillaries, and a decrease in blood plasma volume as less fluid is drawn back into the circulation. Therefore, the correct answer is to increase interstitial fluid volume and decrease blood plasma volume. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not reflect the impact of decreased blood protein concentration on fluid volumes.

5. 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.

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