MDC2 Exam 1 - Nursing Interventions for
Electrolyte Imbalances
Question 1
A high school student experiences muscle cramping after running in sports
activities attributed to low magnesium levels. The student asks the school
nurse how to increase magnesium in the diet. What foods should the nurse
include in the response?
• Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables
• Nuts and chocolate
• Fortified cereals
• Eggs and fortified milk
Question 2
A client with a history of chronic alcohol abuse is admitted to the hospital for
alcohol withdrawal. The nurse notes that the client is experiencing confusion,
ataxia, and hallucinations. The client’s serum magnesium level is 1.4 mg/dL.
Which nursing action is most appropriate?
• Administer oral magnesium supplements
• Initiate seizure precautions
• Administer a magnesium-rich diet
• Administer IV calcium gluconate
Question 3
A client with Hodgkin lymphoma is scheduled to receive a stem cell
transplant. The nurse is preparing a care plan for this client. Which is a
priority nursing intervention during the pre-transplant period?
• Educating the client on the need for high-dose chemotherapy
to eradicate the bone marrow
• Providing vaccinations to prevent infections post-transplant
• Coordinating physical therapy to address expected chronic fatigue
syndrome
, • Educating the client on long-term immunosuppressive medication use
Question 4
A client with a history of heart failure is admitted to the hospital with
symptoms of muscle weakness and arrhythmias. The client’s serum
potassium level is 2.8 mEq/L. The nurse is preparing to administer
intravenous potassium. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
• Administer the potassium intramuscularly to avoid irritation of the
veins
• Administer the potassium as an IV push to rapidly correct the
hypokalemia
• Use an infusion pump to administer the potassium
intravenously
• Mix the potassium in a large volume of IV fluid and administer it over
24 hours
Question 5
A client with chronic kidney disease presents with signs of fluid volume
excess (FVE), including edema, distended jugular veins, and crackles upon
lung auscultation. The client is currently on a sodium-restricted diet but
continues to experience fluid retention. Which nursing action is most
important to address the client’s condition?
• Administer a loop diuretic as prescribed and monitor
electrolyte levels
• Communicate with the client on the importance of measuring all intake
and output
• Increase the client’s fluid intake to promote diuresis
• Encourage the client to read food labels to identify hidden sodium
Question 6
Electrolyte Imbalances
Question 1
A high school student experiences muscle cramping after running in sports
activities attributed to low magnesium levels. The student asks the school
nurse how to increase magnesium in the diet. What foods should the nurse
include in the response?
• Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables
• Nuts and chocolate
• Fortified cereals
• Eggs and fortified milk
Question 2
A client with a history of chronic alcohol abuse is admitted to the hospital for
alcohol withdrawal. The nurse notes that the client is experiencing confusion,
ataxia, and hallucinations. The client’s serum magnesium level is 1.4 mg/dL.
Which nursing action is most appropriate?
• Administer oral magnesium supplements
• Initiate seizure precautions
• Administer a magnesium-rich diet
• Administer IV calcium gluconate
Question 3
A client with Hodgkin lymphoma is scheduled to receive a stem cell
transplant. The nurse is preparing a care plan for this client. Which is a
priority nursing intervention during the pre-transplant period?
• Educating the client on the need for high-dose chemotherapy
to eradicate the bone marrow
• Providing vaccinations to prevent infections post-transplant
• Coordinating physical therapy to address expected chronic fatigue
syndrome
, • Educating the client on long-term immunosuppressive medication use
Question 4
A client with a history of heart failure is admitted to the hospital with
symptoms of muscle weakness and arrhythmias. The client’s serum
potassium level is 2.8 mEq/L. The nurse is preparing to administer
intravenous potassium. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
• Administer the potassium intramuscularly to avoid irritation of the
veins
• Administer the potassium as an IV push to rapidly correct the
hypokalemia
• Use an infusion pump to administer the potassium
intravenously
• Mix the potassium in a large volume of IV fluid and administer it over
24 hours
Question 5
A client with chronic kidney disease presents with signs of fluid volume
excess (FVE), including edema, distended jugular veins, and crackles upon
lung auscultation. The client is currently on a sodium-restricted diet but
continues to experience fluid retention. Which nursing action is most
important to address the client’s condition?
• Administer a loop diuretic as prescribed and monitor
electrolyte levels
• Communicate with the client on the importance of measuring all intake
and output
• Increase the client’s fluid intake to promote diuresis
• Encourage the client to read food labels to identify hidden sodium
Question 6
