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PN 4006 midterm exam questions with solution
1. why are older people at risk of fluid imbalances? less fluid due to decline in muscle and increase in fat (fat is
hydrophobic)
2. if the extracellular space is hypertonic compared to intracellular what hap- pens?: fluid exits the cells
3. whats a clinical manifestation of GI bleed and fluid volume deficit?: dry mouth (dry oral mucosae)
4. intervention for hyponatremia?: limit water intake
5. monitoring of loop diuretics: monitor pulse regularity (potassium)
6. which patients would have a higher risk to develop hypermagnesemia: renal failure, old age (worse kidney
function), hypothyroidism (worse kidney function), etc
(think of anything that affects the kidneys!)
7. What is the Chvostek sign?: The Chvostek sign is a clinical finding associated with hypocalcemia, or low levels of
calcium in the blood. This clinical sign refers to a twitch of the facial muscles that occurs when gently tapping an
individual's cheek, in front of the ear.
8. what to watch for after a total thyroidectomy?: positive chvostek sign (due to hypocalcemia)
9. how do the lungs act as an acid base buffer?: by increasing respiratory rate and depth when CO2 levels in the
blood are high, thereby reducing acid load
10. normal blood pH: 7.35-7.45
lower = acidic
