NUR 242 Med/Surg Exam 2: (Latest 2026/2027 Update) Fluid &
Electrolyte Imbalances - Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium,
Volume Disorders | Q&A | Grade A | 100% Correct (Verified Answers)
Medical-Surgical Nursing | Fluids & Electrolytes Review
SUBJECT COURSE FORMAT
Medical-Surgical Nursing / Fluids & NUR 242 Med/Surg Exam 2 Q&A with Rationales
Electrolytes
Q1
What are the signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia?
CORRECT ANSWER
Serum level below 9 mg/dL; painful muscle spasms in calf/foot; positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs;
paresthesias, tingling, numbness; WEAK THREADY HEART RATE (may be slower or faster than normal)
RATIONALE
• Chvostek sign: facial twitching when tapping over facial nerve.
• Trousseau sign: carpal spasm with BP cuff inflation.
Q2
What are the causes of hypocalcemia?
CORRECT ANSWER
Inadequate oral intake of calcium and Vitamin D; kidney failure; malabsorption syndrome (Crohn's disease);
lactose intolerance; ESKD
RATIONALE
• Vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption from the GI tract.
• Hypoparathyroidism is another common cause of hypocalcemia.
, Q3
What is the treatment for hypocalcemia?
CORRECT ANSWER
Oral or IV calcium supplements; seizure precautions; Vitamin D to help with calcium absorption from the GI
tract
RATIONALE
• IV calcium gluconate is used for severe symptomatic hypocalcemia (tetany, seizures).
• Monitor for cardiac arrhythmias (prolonged QT interval).
Q4
What are the signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia?
CORRECT ANSWER
Serum level higher than 10.5 mg/dL; severe muscle weakness and decreased deep tendon reflexes; confusion;
lethargy; INCREASED HR & BP; severe prolonged - electrical conduction depression; cyanosis, pallor; blood
clots
RATIONALE
• "Bones, stones, abdominal groans, psychiatric moans" (bone pain, kidney stones, GI symptoms, depression).
Q5
What are the causes of hypercalcemia?
CORRECT ANSWER
Excessive oral intake of calcium and Vitamin D; kidney failure; use of thiazide diuretics
RATIONALE
• Hyperparathyroidism is the most common cause of hypercalcemia.
• Malignancy (bone metastases, multiple myeloma) also causes hypercalcemia.
Electrolyte Imbalances - Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium,
Volume Disorders | Q&A | Grade A | 100% Correct (Verified Answers)
Medical-Surgical Nursing | Fluids & Electrolytes Review
SUBJECT COURSE FORMAT
Medical-Surgical Nursing / Fluids & NUR 242 Med/Surg Exam 2 Q&A with Rationales
Electrolytes
Q1
What are the signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia?
CORRECT ANSWER
Serum level below 9 mg/dL; painful muscle spasms in calf/foot; positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs;
paresthesias, tingling, numbness; WEAK THREADY HEART RATE (may be slower or faster than normal)
RATIONALE
• Chvostek sign: facial twitching when tapping over facial nerve.
• Trousseau sign: carpal spasm with BP cuff inflation.
Q2
What are the causes of hypocalcemia?
CORRECT ANSWER
Inadequate oral intake of calcium and Vitamin D; kidney failure; malabsorption syndrome (Crohn's disease);
lactose intolerance; ESKD
RATIONALE
• Vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption from the GI tract.
• Hypoparathyroidism is another common cause of hypocalcemia.
, Q3
What is the treatment for hypocalcemia?
CORRECT ANSWER
Oral or IV calcium supplements; seizure precautions; Vitamin D to help with calcium absorption from the GI
tract
RATIONALE
• IV calcium gluconate is used for severe symptomatic hypocalcemia (tetany, seizures).
• Monitor for cardiac arrhythmias (prolonged QT interval).
Q4
What are the signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia?
CORRECT ANSWER
Serum level higher than 10.5 mg/dL; severe muscle weakness and decreased deep tendon reflexes; confusion;
lethargy; INCREASED HR & BP; severe prolonged - electrical conduction depression; cyanosis, pallor; blood
clots
RATIONALE
• "Bones, stones, abdominal groans, psychiatric moans" (bone pain, kidney stones, GI symptoms, depression).
Q5
What are the causes of hypercalcemia?
CORRECT ANSWER
Excessive oral intake of calcium and Vitamin D; kidney failure; use of thiazide diuretics
RATIONALE
• Hyperparathyroidism is the most common cause of hypercalcemia.
• Malignancy (bone metastases, multiple myeloma) also causes hypercalcemia.
