FLUID AND ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE: COMPREHENSIVE
PRACTICE EXAM
Course: NURS 3365 – Pharmacology in Nursing Practice
Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Time Duration: 120 Minutes
Maximum Marks: 100 Marks
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read Carefully: Please read each question thoroughly before selecting or writing your
answer.
2. Multiple Choice: Section A contains 20 MCQs. Select the single most appropriate answer.
3. Written Responses: For Sections B, C, and D, ensure your handwriting is legible and your
answers are clinically sound.
4. Calculators: Standard scientific calculators are permitted for fluid rate calculations.
5. Academic Integrity: This is a professional-level nursing simulation. Maintain the highest
standards of integrity.
SECTION A: MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (40 Marks)
Select the best answer for each question. Each question is worth 2 marks.
Q1. Which electrolyte is the most abundant cation in intracellular fluid (ICF)? A.
Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Chloride
Q2. A nurse is reviewing a patient's lab results. Which condition is most likely to
lead to hyponatremia? A. Excess sodium intake
B. Severe vomiting
C. Simple dehydration
D. Hyperaldosteronism
, Q3. What is the standard reference range for normal serum sodium levels? A.
120-130 mEq/L
B. 135-145 mEq/L
C. 150-160 mEq/L
D. 160-170 mEq/L
Q4. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to manifest as muscle weakness
and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias? A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Q5. Which clinical finding is a hallmark symptom of significant dehydration? A.
Decreased heart rate
B. Dry mucous membranes
C. Polyuria (excess urine output)
D. Bradycardia with hypotension
Q6. What is the expected reference range for a normal serum potassium level? A.
1.0–2.0 mEq/L
B. 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
C. 6.0–8.0 mEq/L
D. 8.0–10.0 mEq/L
Q7. A patient with chronic kidney failure is at the highest risk for which
electrolyte disturbance? A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyponatremia
Q8. Which hormone plays a primary role in regulating the balance of sodium and
water in the body? A. Insulin
PRACTICE EXAM
Course: NURS 3365 – Pharmacology in Nursing Practice
Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Time Duration: 120 Minutes
Maximum Marks: 100 Marks
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read Carefully: Please read each question thoroughly before selecting or writing your
answer.
2. Multiple Choice: Section A contains 20 MCQs. Select the single most appropriate answer.
3. Written Responses: For Sections B, C, and D, ensure your handwriting is legible and your
answers are clinically sound.
4. Calculators: Standard scientific calculators are permitted for fluid rate calculations.
5. Academic Integrity: This is a professional-level nursing simulation. Maintain the highest
standards of integrity.
SECTION A: MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (40 Marks)
Select the best answer for each question. Each question is worth 2 marks.
Q1. Which electrolyte is the most abundant cation in intracellular fluid (ICF)? A.
Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Chloride
Q2. A nurse is reviewing a patient's lab results. Which condition is most likely to
lead to hyponatremia? A. Excess sodium intake
B. Severe vomiting
C. Simple dehydration
D. Hyperaldosteronism
, Q3. What is the standard reference range for normal serum sodium levels? A.
120-130 mEq/L
B. 135-145 mEq/L
C. 150-160 mEq/L
D. 160-170 mEq/L
Q4. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to manifest as muscle weakness
and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias? A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Q5. Which clinical finding is a hallmark symptom of significant dehydration? A.
Decreased heart rate
B. Dry mucous membranes
C. Polyuria (excess urine output)
D. Bradycardia with hypotension
Q6. What is the expected reference range for a normal serum potassium level? A.
1.0–2.0 mEq/L
B. 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
C. 6.0–8.0 mEq/L
D. 8.0–10.0 mEq/L
Q7. A patient with chronic kidney failure is at the highest risk for which
electrolyte disturbance? A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyponatremia
Q8. Which hormone plays a primary role in regulating the balance of sodium and
water in the body? A. Insulin
