Med Surg: Chapter 17 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Imbalances
The nurse is caring for a patient with a massive burn injury and possible hypovolemia. Which assessment
data will be of most concern to the nurse?
a. Blood pressure is 90/40 mm Hg.
b. Urine output is 30 mL over the last hour.
c. Oral fluid intake is 100 mL for the last 8 hours.
d. There is prolonged skin tenting over the sternum. - Answer A
A patient who has a small cell carcinoma of the lung develops syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic
hormone (SIADH). The nurse should notify the health care provider about which assessment finding?
a. Reported weight gain
b. Serum hematocrit of 42%
c. Serum sodium level of 120 mg/dL
d. Total urinary output of 280 mL during past 8 hours - Answer C
A patient is admitted for hypovolemia associated with multiple draining wounds. Which assessment
would be the most accurate way for the nurse to evaluate fluid balance?
a. Skin turgor
b. Daily weight
c. Presence of edema
d. Hourly urine output - Answer B
The home health nurse cares for an alert and oriented older adult patient with a history of dehydration.
Which instructions should the nurse give to this patient related to fluid intake?
a. "Increase fluids if your mouth feels dry.
b. "More fluids are needed if you feel thirsty."
, c. "Drink more fluids in the late evening hours."
d. "If you feel lethargic or confused, you need more to drink." - Answer A
A patient who is taking a potassium-wasting diuretic for treatment of hypertension complains of
generalized weakness. It is most appropriate for the nurse to take which action?
a. Assess for facial muscle spasms.
b. Ask the patient about loose stools.
c. Suggest that the patient avoid orange juice with meals.
d. Ask the health care provider to order a basic metabolic panel. - Answer D
Spironolactone (Aldactone), an aldosterone antagonist, is prescribed for a patient. Which statement by
the patient indicates that the teaching about this medication has been effective?
a. "I will try to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day."
b. "I will use a salt substitute to decrease my sodium intake."
c. "I will increase my intake of potassium-containing foods."
d. "I will drink apple juice instead of orange juice for breakfast." - Answer D
A newly admitted patient is diagnosed with hyponatremia. When making room assignments, the charge
nurse should take which action?
a. Assign the patient to a room near the nurse's station.
b. Place the patient in a room nearest to the water fountain.
c. Place the patient on telemetry to monitor for peaked T waves.
d. Assign the patient to a semi-private room and place an order for a low-salt diet. - Answer A
IV potassium chloride (KCl) 60 mEq is prescribed for treatment of a patient with severe hypokalemia.
Which action should the nurse take?
a. Administer the KCl as a rapid IV bolus.
The nurse is caring for a patient with a massive burn injury and possible hypovolemia. Which assessment
data will be of most concern to the nurse?
a. Blood pressure is 90/40 mm Hg.
b. Urine output is 30 mL over the last hour.
c. Oral fluid intake is 100 mL for the last 8 hours.
d. There is prolonged skin tenting over the sternum. - Answer A
A patient who has a small cell carcinoma of the lung develops syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic
hormone (SIADH). The nurse should notify the health care provider about which assessment finding?
a. Reported weight gain
b. Serum hematocrit of 42%
c. Serum sodium level of 120 mg/dL
d. Total urinary output of 280 mL during past 8 hours - Answer C
A patient is admitted for hypovolemia associated with multiple draining wounds. Which assessment
would be the most accurate way for the nurse to evaluate fluid balance?
a. Skin turgor
b. Daily weight
c. Presence of edema
d. Hourly urine output - Answer B
The home health nurse cares for an alert and oriented older adult patient with a history of dehydration.
Which instructions should the nurse give to this patient related to fluid intake?
a. "Increase fluids if your mouth feels dry.
b. "More fluids are needed if you feel thirsty."
, c. "Drink more fluids in the late evening hours."
d. "If you feel lethargic or confused, you need more to drink." - Answer A
A patient who is taking a potassium-wasting diuretic for treatment of hypertension complains of
generalized weakness. It is most appropriate for the nurse to take which action?
a. Assess for facial muscle spasms.
b. Ask the patient about loose stools.
c. Suggest that the patient avoid orange juice with meals.
d. Ask the health care provider to order a basic metabolic panel. - Answer D
Spironolactone (Aldactone), an aldosterone antagonist, is prescribed for a patient. Which statement by
the patient indicates that the teaching about this medication has been effective?
a. "I will try to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day."
b. "I will use a salt substitute to decrease my sodium intake."
c. "I will increase my intake of potassium-containing foods."
d. "I will drink apple juice instead of orange juice for breakfast." - Answer D
A newly admitted patient is diagnosed with hyponatremia. When making room assignments, the charge
nurse should take which action?
a. Assign the patient to a room near the nurse's station.
b. Place the patient in a room nearest to the water fountain.
c. Place the patient on telemetry to monitor for peaked T waves.
d. Assign the patient to a semi-private room and place an order for a low-salt diet. - Answer A
IV potassium chloride (KCl) 60 mEq is prescribed for treatment of a patient with severe hypokalemia.
Which action should the nurse take?
a. Administer the KCl as a rapid IV bolus.
