NUR 255: FLUID AND ELECTROLYTES EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS GRADED
A++
What are the two fluid compartments in the body?
intracellular and extracellular
What is the extracellular fluid space divided into?
intravascular, interstitial, and trans cellular space.
What makes up what percent of the body in the normal adult and the older adult?
Normal adult: 50-60%
Older adult: 45-55%
What is osmosis?
diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane into an area that is more
concentrated
What is diffusion?
The movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low
concentration.
What is an active transport-pump?
This pump moves molecules/ electrolytes from an area of low concentration to an area
of high concentration. (against the gradient)
What causes ADH to be released?
,-Decreased blood volume and Increased serum osmolality
What happens when ADH is released?
-increased reabsorption of H2O by the distal tubule of the kidneys (decreased urine
excretion)
aka: ANTI- diuretic hormone
In older adults, they can have rapid changes and rapid onset signs + symptoms.
For example, their thirst mechanism declines. As a nurse what would you need to
teach the older patient in regard to a decrease thirst mechanism?
, if oral mucosa feels dry, should increase fluids. (Don't wait for the thirst mechanism to
kick in as they may be close to dehydration).
What can happen if an older adult is dehydrated?
May cause confusion or cognitive impairments
What can occur is the older adult over hydrates?
Too much fluid can cause fluid overload
What is hypovolemia?
decreased blood volume, so when there is a loss of ECF that exceeds the intake of
fluids
What can cause hypovolemia?
-excessive loss of fluids
-vomiting
-diarrhea
-GI suction
, -intestinal drainage
-diuretics
-hemorrhage
-fistulas
-burns
-diabetes insipidus
-ileostomy
-inadequate fluid intake
What are the clinical manifestations of hypovolemia?
-rapid weight loss
-postural hypotension
-tachycardia
-decreased skin turgor (tenting)
-decreased urine output
-thirst
-restlessness
-weakness
-dizziness
-cold clammy skin
-seizures
How do you treat hypovolemia?
oral fluid intake, IV therapy of Lactated Ringers or 0.9 NS
What does the nurse need to do if their patient has hypovolemia?
AND ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS GRADED
A++
What are the two fluid compartments in the body?
intracellular and extracellular
What is the extracellular fluid space divided into?
intravascular, interstitial, and trans cellular space.
What makes up what percent of the body in the normal adult and the older adult?
Normal adult: 50-60%
Older adult: 45-55%
What is osmosis?
diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane into an area that is more
concentrated
What is diffusion?
The movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low
concentration.
What is an active transport-pump?
This pump moves molecules/ electrolytes from an area of low concentration to an area
of high concentration. (against the gradient)
What causes ADH to be released?
,-Decreased blood volume and Increased serum osmolality
What happens when ADH is released?
-increased reabsorption of H2O by the distal tubule of the kidneys (decreased urine
excretion)
aka: ANTI- diuretic hormone
In older adults, they can have rapid changes and rapid onset signs + symptoms.
For example, their thirst mechanism declines. As a nurse what would you need to
teach the older patient in regard to a decrease thirst mechanism?
, if oral mucosa feels dry, should increase fluids. (Don't wait for the thirst mechanism to
kick in as they may be close to dehydration).
What can happen if an older adult is dehydrated?
May cause confusion or cognitive impairments
What can occur is the older adult over hydrates?
Too much fluid can cause fluid overload
What is hypovolemia?
decreased blood volume, so when there is a loss of ECF that exceeds the intake of
fluids
What can cause hypovolemia?
-excessive loss of fluids
-vomiting
-diarrhea
-GI suction
, -intestinal drainage
-diuretics
-hemorrhage
-fistulas
-burns
-diabetes insipidus
-ileostomy
-inadequate fluid intake
What are the clinical manifestations of hypovolemia?
-rapid weight loss
-postural hypotension
-tachycardia
-decreased skin turgor (tenting)
-decreased urine output
-thirst
-restlessness
-weakness
-dizziness
-cold clammy skin
-seizures
How do you treat hypovolemia?
oral fluid intake, IV therapy of Lactated Ringers or 0.9 NS
What does the nurse need to do if their patient has hypovolemia?
