GRCC ADN 120 FLUID AND
ELECTROLYTES EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS GRADED A+ 2026
Define fluid and electrolyte balance - ANS the process of regulating the extracellular fluid
volume, body fluid osmolality, and plasma concentrations of electrolytes
ECV deficit symptoms - ANS Sudden weight loss, postural hypotension, tachycardia, thready
pulse, neck veins flat when supine, oliguria (<30 mL/hr), dry mucous membranes, skin tenting,
thirst, confusion, decreased LOC
ECV excess symptoms - ANS sudden weight gain (1 kg+ in 24 hrs), edema, bounding pulse,
distended neck veins when upright, pulmonary edema
Describe antidiuretic - ANS conserve/absorb fluid
Describe osmosis - ANS movement of water against gradient (low to high concentration)
Describe diffusion - ANS Movement of particles from high to low concentration
Sodium (Na+) range (aka osmolality) - ANS 135-145 mEq/L
(osmolality = 280-300 mosmol/g)
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
1
, Magnesium (Mg++) range - ANS 1.5-2.5 mEq/L
Potassium (K+) range - ANS 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Calcium (Ca++) range - ANS 9-11 mg/dL
4.5-5.5 mEq/L
Hyponatremia signs and symptoms - ANS (135 mEq/L or lower)
crave salt, confusion, lethargy, decreased LOC, abdominal cramping, seizures if severe
Hypernatremia signs and symptoms - ANS (145 mEq/L or higher)
muscle weakness, abdominal cramping, crave water, confusion, decreased LOC
Hypomegnesemia signs and symptoms - ANS (1.5 mEq/L or lower)
increased neuromuscular excitability and DTR, chvostek's and trousseau's signs, confusion,
hyperactive reflexes, muscle cramps, tachycardia,
Hypermagnesemia signs and symptoms - ANS (2.5 mEq/L or higher)
muscle weakness, decreased DTR, increased BP, respiratory depression
Hypokalemia signs and symptoms - ANS (3.5 mEq/L or lower)
muscle weakness, decreased GI motility and bowel sounds, decreased DTR, dysrhythmias, leg
cramping
Hyperkalemia signs and symptoms - ANS (5.0 mEq/L or higher)
mild muscle weakness, cardiac dysrhythmias, muscle twitching, cramps, increased GI motility,
postural hypotension
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
2
ELECTROLYTES EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS GRADED A+ 2026
Define fluid and electrolyte balance - ANS the process of regulating the extracellular fluid
volume, body fluid osmolality, and plasma concentrations of electrolytes
ECV deficit symptoms - ANS Sudden weight loss, postural hypotension, tachycardia, thready
pulse, neck veins flat when supine, oliguria (<30 mL/hr), dry mucous membranes, skin tenting,
thirst, confusion, decreased LOC
ECV excess symptoms - ANS sudden weight gain (1 kg+ in 24 hrs), edema, bounding pulse,
distended neck veins when upright, pulmonary edema
Describe antidiuretic - ANS conserve/absorb fluid
Describe osmosis - ANS movement of water against gradient (low to high concentration)
Describe diffusion - ANS Movement of particles from high to low concentration
Sodium (Na+) range (aka osmolality) - ANS 135-145 mEq/L
(osmolality = 280-300 mosmol/g)
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
1
, Magnesium (Mg++) range - ANS 1.5-2.5 mEq/L
Potassium (K+) range - ANS 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Calcium (Ca++) range - ANS 9-11 mg/dL
4.5-5.5 mEq/L
Hyponatremia signs and symptoms - ANS (135 mEq/L or lower)
crave salt, confusion, lethargy, decreased LOC, abdominal cramping, seizures if severe
Hypernatremia signs and symptoms - ANS (145 mEq/L or higher)
muscle weakness, abdominal cramping, crave water, confusion, decreased LOC
Hypomegnesemia signs and symptoms - ANS (1.5 mEq/L or lower)
increased neuromuscular excitability and DTR, chvostek's and trousseau's signs, confusion,
hyperactive reflexes, muscle cramps, tachycardia,
Hypermagnesemia signs and symptoms - ANS (2.5 mEq/L or higher)
muscle weakness, decreased DTR, increased BP, respiratory depression
Hypokalemia signs and symptoms - ANS (3.5 mEq/L or lower)
muscle weakness, decreased GI motility and bowel sounds, decreased DTR, dysrhythmias, leg
cramping
Hyperkalemia signs and symptoms - ANS (5.0 mEq/L or higher)
mild muscle weakness, cardiac dysrhythmias, muscle twitching, cramps, increased GI motility,
postural hypotension
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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