1
NSG 3800 Exam 1 study guide for 2026–2027. Includes exam-style questions,
answers, and detailed rationales. Designed to help you pass confidently and
achieve top grades.
Intravascular space
3L of plasma
3L of erythrocytes, Leukocytes, and thrombocytes
interstitial space
Fluids around the cells
11-12 L in adults
Lymph is an interstitial fluid
transcellular fluid
Smallest division of ECF
Around 1 L
Fluids including:
Cerebrospinal
Pericardial
Synovial
Intraocular
Pleural fluids
,2
Sweat
Digestive secretions
How are electrolytes measured?
mEq/L
What main electrolyte is inside cell and which is outside the cell?
Sodium (Na)
What main electrolyte is inside cell and which is inside the cell?
Potassium (K)
the pressure exerted by the fluid on the walls of the blood vessel
hydrostatic pressure
Oncotic pressure is exerted by the
protein of plasma
Fluid moves from a low concentration to a high concentration
Osmosis
Solutes moves from a high to a low concentration
Diffusion
occurs when loss of ECF volume exceeds the intake of fluid
hypovolemia
,3
Water and electrolytes are lost in the same proportion***** as they exist in
normal body fluids
Ratio of serum electrolytes to water remains the same.
Serum electrolytes will essentially remain unchanged
during FVD
S/S of FDV
Weight loss
Decreased skin turgor
Oliguria
Decreased BP
Increased pulse and temp
Flattened neck veins
Muscle cramps
Cool clammy skin
How to diagnose FDV
Increased hemoglobin and hematocrit due to decreased plasma volume
BUN is elevated in comparison of serum creatinine
, 4
Increased urine specificity
How to manage FVD/hypovolemia
Preferably PO hydration
Electrolyte drinks
IV route is typically for more severe cases to expand plasma volume
If a patient is nauseous, how should you prioritize treatment?
IV fluid THEN antiemetics
IV solutions for hypovolemia
Lactated ringers
0.9% normal saline
Weight daily is the
most sensitive indicator for fluid loss or gain
Monitor pulse during IV therapy to
observe any adverse effects
Who is at risk for FVD?
elderly and infants
Patients using diuretics
burn patients
paracentesis
NSG 3800 Exam 1 study guide for 2026–2027. Includes exam-style questions,
answers, and detailed rationales. Designed to help you pass confidently and
achieve top grades.
Intravascular space
3L of plasma
3L of erythrocytes, Leukocytes, and thrombocytes
interstitial space
Fluids around the cells
11-12 L in adults
Lymph is an interstitial fluid
transcellular fluid
Smallest division of ECF
Around 1 L
Fluids including:
Cerebrospinal
Pericardial
Synovial
Intraocular
Pleural fluids
,2
Sweat
Digestive secretions
How are electrolytes measured?
mEq/L
What main electrolyte is inside cell and which is outside the cell?
Sodium (Na)
What main electrolyte is inside cell and which is inside the cell?
Potassium (K)
the pressure exerted by the fluid on the walls of the blood vessel
hydrostatic pressure
Oncotic pressure is exerted by the
protein of plasma
Fluid moves from a low concentration to a high concentration
Osmosis
Solutes moves from a high to a low concentration
Diffusion
occurs when loss of ECF volume exceeds the intake of fluid
hypovolemia
,3
Water and electrolytes are lost in the same proportion***** as they exist in
normal body fluids
Ratio of serum electrolytes to water remains the same.
Serum electrolytes will essentially remain unchanged
during FVD
S/S of FDV
Weight loss
Decreased skin turgor
Oliguria
Decreased BP
Increased pulse and temp
Flattened neck veins
Muscle cramps
Cool clammy skin
How to diagnose FDV
Increased hemoglobin and hematocrit due to decreased plasma volume
BUN is elevated in comparison of serum creatinine
, 4
Increased urine specificity
How to manage FVD/hypovolemia
Preferably PO hydration
Electrolyte drinks
IV route is typically for more severe cases to expand plasma volume
If a patient is nauseous, how should you prioritize treatment?
IV fluid THEN antiemetics
IV solutions for hypovolemia
Lactated ringers
0.9% normal saline
Weight daily is the
most sensitive indicator for fluid loss or gain
Monitor pulse during IV therapy to
observe any adverse effects
Who is at risk for FVD?
elderly and infants
Patients using diuretics
burn patients
paracentesis
