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Fluid and Electrolyte
Imbalances 2026,
Exams of Nursing
Assured A+|
Outstanding
Performance
The RN is assessing a 70-year-old client admitted to the unit with severe dehydration. Which finding requires immediate intervention by the nurse? A. Client behavior that changes from anxious to lethargic B. Deep furrows on the surface of the tongue C. Poor skin turgor with tenting remaining for 2 minutes after the skin is pinched
D. Urine output of 950 mL for the past 24 hours - ANSWERS -A.
Client behavior that changes from anxious to lethargic
RATIONALE:
Immediate intervention by the nurse is required when a client's behavior changes from anxious to lethargic. This change in mental status suggests poor cerebral blood flow and fluid shifts within the brain cells. Immediate intervention is needed to prevent further cerebral dysfunction.Deep furrows on the surface of the tongue, poor skin turgor, and low urine output are all caused by the fluid volume deficit, but do not indicate complications of dehydration that are immediately life- threatening. A client with diarrhea for 3 days and inability to eat or drink well is brought to the emergency department (ED) by her family. She states she has been taking her diuretics for congestive heart failure (CHF). What nursing actions are indicated at this time? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY. A. Place the client on bed rest. B. Evaluate the electrolyte levels. C. Administer the ordered diuretic. D. Assess for orthostatic hypotension
E. Initiate cardiac monitoring. - ANSWERS -A, B, D, E
RATIONALE:
Nursing actions indicated at this time include: placing the client on bedrest and assisting the client out of bed, evaluating electrolyte levels, assessing for orthostatic hypotension, and applying a cardiac monitor. Safety is required to prevent falls due to weakness from a likely fluid volume deficit and electrolyte
National Client Safety Goals mandates that concentrated potassium be diluted and added to IV solutions only in the pharmacy by a registered pharmacist and that vials of concentrated potassium not be available in client care areas. IV potassium solutions irritate veins and cause phlebitis. Assess the IV site hourly, and ask the client whether he or she feels burning or pain at the site. The presence of pain or burning at the insertion site may require a new intravenous to be started. A dose of KCl 5-10 mEq/hour, no more than 20 mEq/hr is recommended.Potassium may be administered by peripheral or central vein. There is no circumstance where potassium is given by IV push. The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a loop diuretic for treatment of heart failure. Which of these actions will be included in the plan of care? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY. A. Assess daily weights. B. Encourage consumption of citrus fruits. C. Weigh the client weekly. D. Monitor serum potassium. E. Discourage intake of spinach.
F. Monitor for bradycardia. - ANSWERS -A, B, D
RATIONALE:
Actions for the nurse to include when caring for a client taking a loop diuretic for heart failure include: assessing daily weights, encouraging consumption of citrus fruits, and monitoring the client's serum potassium. High-ceiling (loop) diuretics remove
excess fluid and are potassium-depleting drugs. Consuming citrus fruit, green leafy vegetables, cantaloupe, tomato, and other food with potassium is indicated while receiving this type of diuretic to compensate for urinary loss of potassium.The client must be weighed at the same time each day, using the same scale and wearing approximately the same amount of clothes. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach contain potassium and are encouraged. The diuretic itself has no effect on the heart rate, however potassium depletion caused by the diuretic may cause cardiac irritability with a weak and thready pulse. The nurse is caring for a client who takes furosemide (Lasix) and digoxin (Lanoxin). The client's potassium (K+) level is 2.5 mEq/L (2.5 mmol/L). Which additional assessment will the nurse make? A. Heart rate B. Blood pressure (BP) C. Increases in edema
D. Sodium level - ANSWERS -A. Heart rate
RATIONALE:
The nurse must assess the heart rate for bradycardia related to digoxin and irritability or irregularity related to hypokalemia. Hypokalemia increases the sensitivity of cardiac muscle to digoxin and may result in digoxin toxicity, even when the digoxin level is within the therapeutic range. The nurse also assesses for GI symptoms such as diarrhea, and other symptoms of toxicity to digoxin.The BP may decrease with low potassium level but monitoring the pulse is essential. The diuretic would reduce edema, therefore assessing the heart rate is the priority. High
The nurse is discussing safety when administering bumetanide with a nursing student. The nurse recognizes that the student understands side effects of this medication when the student makes which statement? A. "The client's PT and INR may be prolonged while taking this medication." B. "The client may develop hypoglycemia during treatment." C. "Inverted T waves and a U wave may appear on the ECG." D. "I need to tell the client to avoid salt substitutes." -
ANSWERS -C. "Inverted T waves and a U wave may appear on
the ECG." RATIONALE: The nursing student understands the side effects of Bumex when commenting that inverted T waves and a U wave may appear on the EKG. Hypokalemia may cause depressed ST segments, flat or inverted T waves or the presence of a U wave on the ECG as well as dysrhythmias. High-ceiling (loop) diuretics, such as furosemide (Lasix, furosemide), promote loss of water, sodium, and potassium.PT and INR are typically prolonged with therapy with warfarin (Coumadin) or individuals with liver disease. Hypoglycemia may occur with oral hypoglycemic medications or insulin. Salt substitutes are typically avoided when the client has hyperkalemia or is taking an ACE inhibitor because many substitutes contain potassium chloride. The nurse is teaching a client who is taking a potassium-sparing diuretic about precautions while taking this medication. Which of these does the nurse teach the client to avoid or use cautiously?
SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.
A. Apples B. Bananas C. ACE inhibitors D. Grapes
E. Salt substitute - ANSWERS -B, C, E
RATIONALE:
While taking a potassium-sparing diuretic, the nurse teaches the client to avoid bananas, ACE inhibitors, and salt substitutes. Other foods high in potassium include cantaloupe, kiwi, oranges, avocados, broccoli, dried beans, lima beans, mushrooms, potatoes, seaweed, soybeans, and spinach. Salt substitutes contain potassium and may predispose the client to hyperkalemia.Apples and grapes are considered lower potassium- containing foods. The nurse is assessing a client with a sodium level of 118 mEq/L (118 mmol/L). Which activity takes priority? A. Monitoring urine output B. Encouraging sodium rich fluids and foods throughout the day C. Instructing the client not to ambulate without assistance
D. Assessing deep tendon reflexes - ANSWERS -C. Instructing
the client not to ambulate without assistance RATIONALE:
for fluid volume excess and symptoms of heart failure including crackles.Peripheral edema may occur with SIADH. A serum osmolarity of 294 mOsm/kg (294 mmol/kg) is normal. A urine output of 1300 mL over 24 hours is considered normal. The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving intravenous (IV) magnesium sulfate. Which assessment parameter is critical? A. Monitoring 24-hour urine output B. Asking the client about feeling depressed C. Assessing the blood pressure hourly
D. Monitoring the serum calcium levels - ANSWERS -C.
Assessing the blood pressure hourly RATIONALE: Assessing hourly blood pressures is critical when caring for a client receiving IV magnesium sulfate. Hypotension is a sign/symptom of hypermagnesemia during magnesium infusion.Most clients who have fluid and electrolyte problems will be monitored for intake and output, and will not immediately indicate problems with magnesium overdose. Low magnesium levels can cause psychological depression, but assessing this parameter as the levels are restored would not safely assess a safe dose or an overdose. Although administration of magnesium sulfate can cause a drop in calcium levels, this occurs over a period of time and would not be the best way to assess magnesium toxicity. A client is brought to the emergency department for increasing weakness and muscle twitching. The laboratory results include a
potassium level of 7.0 mEq/L (7.0 mmol/L). Which assessments does the nurse make? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY. A. History of liver disease B. Use of salt substitute C. Use of an ACE inhibitor D. Potassium-sparing diuretics
E. Prescription for insulin - ANSWERS -B, C, D,
RATIONALE:
When caring for an ED client with an elevated potassium level, the nurse needs to assess the client for any use of salt substitutes, any use of ACE inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics, as well as kidney disease.History of liver disease does not increase the client's potassium level. Insulin, which moves potassium into the cell, can be used as a treatment for hyperkalemia, in addition to diabetes. Taking insulin would lower the potassium level. After receiving change-of-shift report, which client does the RN assess first? A. A client with nausea and vomiting who complains of abdominal cramps B. A client with a nasogastric (NG) tube who has dry oral mucosa and is complaining of thirst
The nurse must first place this client on a monitor. Because hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening bradycardia, placing the client on a cardiac monitor permits early intervention in the event of dysrhythmias.Administering a potassium-reducing medication, recommending a potassium-restricted diet, and teaching the client about diet are appropriate but will not immediately decrease the serum potassium level and do not need to be implemented as quickly as monitoring cardiac rhythm. The nurse is planning care for a 72-year-old resident of a long- term care facility who has a history of dehydration. Which action does the nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? A. Assessing oral mucosa for dryness B. Choosing appropriate oral fluids C. Monitoring skin turgor for tenting
D. Offering fluids to drink every hour - ANSWERS -D. Offering
fluids to drink every hour RATIONALE: Offering oral fluids every hour is within the scope of practice for a UAP.Assessments of oral mucosa, selection of appropriate fluids, and assessment of skin turgor would be done by licensed nursing staff, who have the needed education and scope of practice to implement these more complex actions. The nurse at a long-term care facility is teaching a group of unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) about fluid intake principles
for older adults. Which of these should be included in the education session? A. "Be careful not to overload them with too many oral fluids." B. "Offer fluids that they prefer frequently and on a regular schedule." C. "Restrict their fluids if they are incontinent." D. "Wake them every 2 hours during the night with a drink." -
ANSWERS -B. "Offer fluids that they prefer frequently and on a
regular schedule." RATIONALE: The long-term care nurse teaches the UAPs to frequently offer older adults fluids that they prefer and on a regular basis. Because of the decreased thirst mechanism, older adults can become dehydrated and must be offered oral fluids every 2 hours. The likelihood of their accepting the fluid increases if it is one they prefer.Risk of overhydration, especially with oral fluids, is minimal. Fluids would never be restricted even if the client is incontinent. Restricting fluids to incontinent clients is a common mistake made by UAP in long-term care environments. It is not necessary to disturb older adults during their sleep to offer fluids. However, they should be offered a drink during waking hours at frequent intervals (e.g., every 2 hours). The nurse is preparing a client a diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF) for discharge. Which statement by the client indicates a correct understanding of self-management of CHF?
A. Intravenous normal saline to a client with a serum sodium of 132 mEq/L (132 mmol/L) B. Oral calcium supplements to a client with severe osteoporosis C. Oral phosphorus supplements to a client with acute hypophosphatemia D. Oral potassium chloride to a client whose serum potassium is 3
mEq/L (3 mmol/L) - ANSWERS -D. Oral potassium chloride to a
client whose serum potassium is 3 mEq/L (3 mmol/L) RATIONALE: The nurse must first administer oral potassium supplements to the client with hypokalemia. Even minor changes in serum potassium levels can cause life-threatening dysrhythmias.The electrolyte disturbances (sodium level of 132 and low phosphorus level) and the need for calcium in the other clients are not immediately life-threatening. Which client is most appropriate for the nurse manager of the medical-surgical unit to assign to the LPN/LVN? A. A client admitted with dehydration who has a heart rate of 126 beats/min B. A client just admitted with hyperkalemia who takes a potassium-sparing diuretic at home C. A client admitted yesterday with heart failure with dependent pedal edema
D. A client who has just been admitted with severe nausea,
vomiting, and diarrhea - ANSWERS -C. A client admitted
yesterday with heart failure with dependent pedal edema The most appropriate client to assign to the LPN/LVN is the 64- year-old client admitted yesterday with heart failure and dependent pedal edema. This client is the most stable of all the four clients.Dehydration, tachycardia, potassium overload, and GI signs and symptoms in a client indicate that he or she is unstable. Care must be given by the RN who can carry out assessments, prescriptions, and participate interdisciplinary collaboration as needed. A client with hypermagnesemia is seen in the emergency department (ED). Which of these interventions is most appropriate? A. Monitor for hyperactive reflexes B. prepare for endotracheal intubation C. Institute teaching on avoiding magnesium rich foods
D. Place the client on a cardiac monitor - ANSWERS -D. Place
the client on a cardiac monitor RATIONALE: Hypermagnesemia causes changes in cardiac rhythm and may result in cardiac arrest, therefore instituting cardiac monitoring is most appropriate.Reflexes are typically reduced in the presence of hypermagnesemia. There is no indication that the client has signs and symptoms of respiratory distress at this time, however the
A. LPN/LVN who has floated from the hospital's long-term care unit B. LPN/LVN who frequently administers medications to multiple clients C. RN who has floated from the intensive care unit
D. RN who usually works as a diabetes educator - ANSWERS -C.
RN who has floated from the intensive care unit RATIONALE: The RN who has floated from the intensive care unit needs to care for this clinically unstable woman with uncontrolled diabetes. The clinical manifestations suggest that the client is experiencing hypovolemia and possible hypovolemic shock from osmotic diuresis. The RN from the intensive care unit will have extensive experience caring for clients with hypovolemia, hyperglycemia, and fluid volume deficit/shock.The LPN/LVN who has floated from the long-term care unit or who frequently administers medications to multiple clients will not be as familiar with care for critically ill clients, or qualified to care for this clinically unstable client. Although the resource on diabetes is helpful, the RN who works as a diabetes educator will not be as familiar with care for acutely or critically ill clients. The nurse is caring for an older adult with hypernatremia. Which of these interventions does the nurse perform first? A. Restrict the client's intake of sodium B. Administer a diuretic C. Monitor the serum osmolarity
D. Encourage fluid intake - ANSWERS -D. Encourage fluid intake
RATIONALE:
When caring for an older adult with hypernatremia, the nurse first encourages the client to take more fluid. Encouraging fluids in the older adult is important to prevent dehydration with resulting concentrated sodium levels.Hypernatremia and fluid loss typically occur in tandem in the older adult. Restricting sodium does not replace fluids needed by many elderly clients. A diuretic will worsen the fluid volume deficit the client is experiencing. Monitoring the osmolarity will detect an abnormality, but not resolve the problem. The nurse is caring for a group of clients with electrolytes and blood chemistry abnormalities. Which client will the nurse see first? A. The client with a random glucose reading of 123 mg/dL (6. mmol/L) B. The client who has a magnesium level of 2.1 mEq/L (1. mmol/L) C. The client whose potassium is 6.2 mEq/L (6.2 mmol/L) D. The client with a sodium level of 143 mEq/L (143 mmol/L) -
ANSWERS -C. The client whose potassium is 6.2 mEq/L (6.
mmol/L) RATIONALE: The first client the nurse sees with electrolyte and blood chemistry abnormalities is the client whose potassium is 6. mEq/L (6.2 mmol/L). A potassium value of 6.2 mEq/L (6.2 mmol/L)
