2025): Foundations of Nursing - Galen
Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
Question 1
How is fluid imbalance best detected?
A. Blood pressure monitoring
B. Daily weight
C. Urine output
D. Skin turgor
Answer: B. Daily weight
Rationale: Daily weight is the most accurate method to detect fluid imbalances, as 1 kg of
weight change equals approximately 1 L of fluid gain or loss.
Question 2
What is fluid volume excess?
A. Dehydration due to fluid loss
B. Fluid intake or retention exceeding the body’s needs
C. Balanced fluid intake and output
D. Electrolyte depletion
Answer: B. Fluid intake or retention exceeding the body’s needs
Rationale: Fluid volume excess, or hypervolemia, occurs when fluid intake or retention exceeds
the body’s fluid requirements, leading to overhydration.
Question 3
What is hypervolemia?
A. Decreased blood volume
B. Increased blood volume
C. Normal blood volume
D. Low sodium levels
Answer: B. Increased blood volume
Rationale: Hypervolemia refers to increased blood volume due to fluid overload, often caused
by excessive IV fluids or sodium retention.
Question 4
What are expected findings in hypervolemia?
A. Hypotension, dry skin, weight loss
, B. Elevated pulse, BP, edema, crackles
C. Increased urine output, low BP
D. Fever, dehydration, confusion
Answer: B. Elevated pulse, BP, edema, crackles
Rationale: Hypervolemia presents with elevated pulse, blood pressure, edema, ascites, crackles,
and confusion due to fluid overload.
Question 5
What is an intervention for hypervolemia?
A. Increase fluid intake
B. Administer diuretics
C. Encourage high-sodium diet
D. Restrict mobility
Answer: B. Administer diuretics
Rationale: Diuretics (e.g., furosemide) help reduce fluid overload by promoting urine output in
hypervolemia.
Question 6
What is hypovolemia?
A. Increased blood volume
B. Decreased blood volume
C. Normal blood volume
D. High potassium levels
Answer: B. Decreased blood volume
Rationale: Hypovolemia is a decrease in blood volume due to fluid loss from dehydration,
bleeding, or excessive diuresis.
Question 7
What are signs of hypovolemia?
A. Edema, crackles, weight gain
B. Dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, hypotension
C. High urine output, normal BP
D. Ascites, elevated pulse
Answer: B. Dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, hypotension
Rationale: Hypovolemia presents with dry mucous membranes, increased heart rate, low blood
pressure, and weight loss due to fluid deficit.
Question 8
What is an intervention for hypovolemia?
A. Restrict fluids
B. Administer IV fluids
C. Increase sodium intake