Fluids and Electrolyte Balance

A nurse is reviewing lab reports. The nurse recalls blood plasma is located in which of the following fluid compartments?

• Intracellular fluid (ICF)

• Extracellular fluid (ECF)

• Interstitial fluid

• Intravascular fluid

While planning care for elderly individuals, the nurse remembers the elderly are at a higher risk for developing dehydration because they have a(n):

• Higher total body water volume

• Decreased muscle mass

• Increase in thirst

• Increased tendency towards developing edema

Water movement between the ICF and ECF compartments is determined by:

• Osmotic forces

• Plasma oncotic pressure

• Antidiuretic hormone

• Buffer systems

When planning care for a dehydrated patient, the nurse remembers the principle of water balance is closely related to _____ balance.

• Potassium

• Chloride

• Bicarbonate

• Sodium

A nurse is teaching the staff about antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Which information should the nurse include? Secretion of ADH is stimulated by:

• Increased serum potassium

• Increased plasma osmolality

• Decreased renal blood flow

• Generalized edema

Which statement by the staff indicates teaching was successful concerning aldosterone? Secretion of aldosterone results in:

• Decreased plasma osmolality

• Increased serum potassium levels

• Increased blood volume

• Localized edema

A 5-year-old male presents to the ER with delirium and sunken eyes. After diagnosing him with severe dehydration, the primary care provider orders fluid replacement. The nurse administers a hypertonic intravenous solution. Which of the following would be expected?

• Symptoms subside quickly

• Increased ICF volume

• Decreased ECF volume

• Intracellular dehydration

Which of the following patients is the most at risk for developing hypernatremia? A patient with:

• Vomiting

• Diuretic use

• Dehydration

• Hypoaldosteronism

Which of the following conditions would cause the nurse to monitor for hyperkalemia?

• Excess aldosterone

• Acute acidosis

• Insulin usage

• Metabolic alkalosis

A 60-year-old female is diagnosed with hyperkalemia. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect to observe?

• Weak pulse

• Excessive thirst

• Oliguria

• Constipation