Fluids and Electrolytes

What can happen if the amount of water you take in does not equal the amount you lose?

• You will always feel thirsty.

• You may experience dehydration or overhydration.

• Your electrolyte levels will remain stable.

• Your body temperature will decrease.

A patient presents with nausea, headache, confusion, and muscle weakness. Which electrolyte imbalance should be suspected based on these symptoms?

• Hyponatremia

• Hyperkalemia

• Hypocalcemia

• Hypernatremia

Which combination is used in emergency situations to correct hyponatremia?

• Hypotonic saline plus diuretic

• Hypertonic saline plus diuretic

• Isotonic glucose plus diuretic

• Water restriction only

Why should hyponatremia be corrected slowly?

• To avoid dehydration

• To prevent risk of myelinosis and permanent neurologic injury

• To reduce blood pressure

• To prevent kidney stones

What is a possible consequence of correcting hyponatremia too quickly?

• Increased appetite

• Myelinosis resulting in death or permanent neurologic injury

• Improved kidney function

• Enhanced muscle strength

What is the definition of hypernatremia?

• A serum sodium level that is more than 145 mEq/L

• A serum sodium level that is less than 135 mEq/L

• A serum potassium level that is more than 5.5 mEq/L

• A serum calcium level that is more than 10.5 mg/dL

If a patient has decreased water intake and increased sodium intake, what condition are they at risk for developing?

• Hyponatremia

• Hypernatremia

• Hypokalemia

• Hypercalcemia

A patient presents with vomiting, diarrhea, and food poisoning. How might these symptoms best contribute to hypernatremia?

• By increasing loss of body fluids

• By increasing sodium intake

• By decreasing potassium levels

• By causing excessive water intake

Which of the following is NOT a possible consequence of rapid movement of water into brain cells during hypernatremia correction?

• Seizures

• Brain injury

• Death

• Hypertension

Which of the following is a recommended nursing implication for managing hypernatremia?

• Prevent water loss by encouraging fluid intake

• Restrict fluid intake to prevent overload

• Administer diuretics to increase water loss

• Avoid monitoring fluid balance