NUR 355 Fluid/electrolyte imbalances, Questions and
Answers Elaborate and Detailed 2026
Hypervolemia - Correct Answers abnormal increase in the volume of blood plasma in the body
Hypovolemia - Correct Answers (Dehydration) Decreased blood volume capable of causing
hypotension, tachycardia, and decreased urine output.
Sodium (Na+) - Correct Answers major electrolyte found in ECF. essential for maintenance of
acid-base balance, active and passive transport mechanisms, and irritability and conduction of
nerve and muscle tissue.
normal levels 136-145 mEq/L
Hypernatremia - Correct Answers -*Greater than 145 mEq/L*
-Water deficit
-Hypertonic condition
-*Loss of more water than salt OR gain of more salt than water*
-Water leaves cells by osmosis - cells shrivel (Ex; cerebral dysfunction)
, -Hypernatremia + Hypovolemia = Dehydration
Hypernatremia S/S - Correct Answers You are 'fried' or S.A.L.T.
F - Fever (low grade), flushed skin
R - Restless (irritable)
I - Increased fluid retention and increased BP
E - Edema (peripheral and pitting)
D - Decreased urinary output, dry mouth
S = Skin flushed
A = Agitation
L = Low-grade fever
T = Thirst
Hypernatremia treatment - Correct Answers -If due to fluid loss: Administer IV infusions
-If the cause is inadequate renal excretion of sodium: Give diuretics that promote sodium loss
-Restrict sodium and fluid intake as prescribed.
Hypernatremia nursing interventions - Correct Answers Monitor I&O, monitor behavior
changes, monitor lab findings, encourage fluids as ordered, monitor diet as ordered, restrict
intake of salt and foods high in sodium
Hyponatremia - Correct Answers -<135 mEq/L
-occurs when the concentration of sodium in your blood is abnormally low.
Answers Elaborate and Detailed 2026
Hypervolemia - Correct Answers abnormal increase in the volume of blood plasma in the body
Hypovolemia - Correct Answers (Dehydration) Decreased blood volume capable of causing
hypotension, tachycardia, and decreased urine output.
Sodium (Na+) - Correct Answers major electrolyte found in ECF. essential for maintenance of
acid-base balance, active and passive transport mechanisms, and irritability and conduction of
nerve and muscle tissue.
normal levels 136-145 mEq/L
Hypernatremia - Correct Answers -*Greater than 145 mEq/L*
-Water deficit
-Hypertonic condition
-*Loss of more water than salt OR gain of more salt than water*
-Water leaves cells by osmosis - cells shrivel (Ex; cerebral dysfunction)
, -Hypernatremia + Hypovolemia = Dehydration
Hypernatremia S/S - Correct Answers You are 'fried' or S.A.L.T.
F - Fever (low grade), flushed skin
R - Restless (irritable)
I - Increased fluid retention and increased BP
E - Edema (peripheral and pitting)
D - Decreased urinary output, dry mouth
S = Skin flushed
A = Agitation
L = Low-grade fever
T = Thirst
Hypernatremia treatment - Correct Answers -If due to fluid loss: Administer IV infusions
-If the cause is inadequate renal excretion of sodium: Give diuretics that promote sodium loss
-Restrict sodium and fluid intake as prescribed.
Hypernatremia nursing interventions - Correct Answers Monitor I&O, monitor behavior
changes, monitor lab findings, encourage fluids as ordered, monitor diet as ordered, restrict
intake of salt and foods high in sodium
Hyponatremia - Correct Answers -<135 mEq/L
-occurs when the concentration of sodium in your blood is abnormally low.
