Electrolytes Study Guide | 100% Pass Guaranteed |
Graded A+ | 2026-2027
1. During the oliguric phase of AKI, the nurse monitors the patient for (select all that apply)
a. hypotension.
b. ECG changes.
c. hypernatremia.
d. pulmonary edema.
e. urine with high specific gravity.
Answer: b. ECG changes. d. pulmonary edema.
2. The percentage of daily calories for a healthy person consists of
a. 50% carbohydrates, 25% protein, 25% fat, and <10% of fat from saturated fatty acids.
b. 65% carbohydrates, 26% protein, 26% fat, and >10% of fat from saturated fatty acids.
c. 50% carbohydrates, 40% protein, 10% fat, and <10% of fat from saturated fatty acids.
d. 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, 30% fat, and >10% of fat from saturated fatty acids.
Answer: a. 50% carbohydrates, 25% protein, 25% fat, and <10% of fat from
saturated fatty acids.
3. A complete nutrition assessment including anthropometric measurements is most
important for the patient who:
a. has a BMI of 25.5 kg/m2.
b. reports episodes of nightly nocturia.
c. reports a 5‑year history of chronic constipation.
d. reports unintentional weight loss of 10 lb in 2 months.
Answer: d. reports unintentional weight loss of 10 lb in 2 months.
4. Which method is best to use when confirming initial placement of a blindly inserted
nasogastric tube?
a. Auscultation of air injected into the tube over the epigastrium.
b. Measurement of pH from aspirate using a pH indicator strip.
c. Abdominal radiograph to visualize the tube tip.
d. Observation of the tube exiting the nostril at the marked depth.
Answer: c. Abdominal radiograph to visualize the tube tip.
5. A nurse is caring for a patient during the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury (AKI).
Which of the following findings should the nurse interpret as the priority reason for
immediate intervention?
a. Weight gain of 2 kg in 24 hours.
b. Decreased urine output of 200 mL in 24 hours.
c. Serum potassium of 6.8 mEq/L.
, d. Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg.
Answer: c. Serum potassium of 6.8 mEq/L.
6. A patient receiving enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube develops diarrhea. Which of
the following represents the nurse’s priority initial action?
a. Slow the infusion rate and assess for formula tolerance.
b. Switch to parenteral nutrition immediately.
c. Discontinue the tube feeding and keep the patient NPO.
d. Administer an antidiarrheal medication as ordered.
Answer: a. Slow the infusion rate and assess for formula tolerance.
7. A nurse is reviewing the components of a 24‑hour urine collection for creatinine
clearance. Which of the following instructions to the patient is most important?
a. Avoid solid foods during the collection period.
b. Keep the urine container refrigerated and record all voids.
c. Drink at least 3,000 mL of fluid during the 24 hours.
d. Void once and discard the first specimen.
Answer: b. Keep the urine container refrigerated and record all voids.
8. A patient with chronic kidney disease is prescribed a low‑potassium diet. Which of the
following foods should the nurse teach the patient to limit?
a. Bananas, oranges, and potatoes.
b. Bread, rice, and pasta.
c. Chicken, eggs, and fish.
d. Broccoli, carrots, and green beans.
Answer: a. Bananas, oranges, and potatoes.
9. A nurse is caring for a patient who has just returned from a cystoscopy. Which of the
following findings should the nurse interpret as the priority concern?
a. Mild burning on urination.
b. Blood‑tinged urine.
c. Sudden onset of severe flank pain and nausea.
d. Complaint of mild thirst.
Answer: c. Sudden onset of severe flank pain and nausea.
10.A patient is receiving intravenous 0.9% sodium chloride at 125 mL/hr. Which of the
following assessments should the nurse interpret as the priority for preventing fluid
overload?
a. Monitor weight, lung sounds, and edema daily.
b. Check blood pressure every 4 hours.
c. Obtain electrolyte panel every shift.
d. Inspect the IV site for infiltration.
Answer: a. Monitor weight, lung sounds, and edema daily.
11.A nurse is teaching a patient about a low‑sodium diet. Which of the following foods
should the nurse instruct the patient to avoid?
a. Fresh fruits and vegetables.
b. Canned soups and processed meats.
c. Plain rice and pasta.
, d. Skinless chicken breast and fish.
Answer: b. Canned soups and processed meats.
12.A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide 40 mg IV twice daily. Which of the
following interventions should the nurse interpret as the priority to prevent
complications?
a. Monitor for hypokalemia and ECG changes.
b. Encourage the patient to drink 3,000 mL of fluid per day.
c. Keep the patient on strict bed rest.
d. Administer the medication at bedtime.
Answer: a. Monitor for hypokalemia and ECG changes.
13.A nurse is caring for a patient with a urinary catheter. Which of the following interventions
represents the nurse’s priority to prevent infection?
a. Maintain a closed drainage system and perform hand hygiene before and after care.
b. Clamp the catheter every 2 hours to “train” the bladder.
c. Empty the collection bag into the patient’s toilet.
d. Change the catheter every 48 hours.
Answer: a. Maintain a closed drainage system and perform hand hygiene before
and after care.
14.A patient reports a 3‑day history of diarrhea and has lost 4 lb unintentionally. Which of
the following findings should the nurse interpret as the priority?
a. Serum sodium of 130 mEq/L.
b. Serum potassium of 3.2 mEq/L.
c. Blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg.
d. Urine output of 30 mL/hr.
Answer: c. Blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg.
15.A nurse is caring for a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the
following findings should the nurse interpret as the priority reason to notify the healthcare
provider?
a. Fever, chills, and redness at the catheter insertion site.
b. Weight gain of 1 kg over 24 hours.
c. Blood glucose of 180 mg/dL.
d. Mild abdominal fullness.
Answer: a. Fever, chills, and redness at the catheter insertion site.
16.A patient with a history of heart failure is on a fluid‑restricted diet. Which of the following
statements by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?
a. “I will measure my fluid intake and avoid exceeding my daily allowance.”
b. “I will drink only when I feel very thirsty.”
c. “I can drink soup freely since it is mostly water.”
d. “I will increase my fluid intake if I feel dizzy.”
Answer: a. “I will measure my fluid intake and avoid exceeding my daily
allowance.”
17.A nurse is assessing a patient’s bowel elimination. Which of the following findings should
the nurse interpret as the priority for further evaluation?
a. Absence of bowel movement for 3 days with no abdominal discomfort.