Question 1

Which symptom would alert the nurse to the diagnosis of deficient fluid volume?

Accepted Answer

Tachycardia is a compensatory mechanism for hypovolemia; the other symptoms are consistent with appropriate hydration or overhydration.

Question 2

The client is experiencing potassium excess and is being treated with 10% calcium gluconate. The client has been diagnosed with cardiac disease. The highest priority action on the part of the nurse is to check the client's:

Accepted Answer

Combining 10% calcium gluconate with digitalis can result in digitalis toxicity.

Question 3

A client who is taking calcium supplements is concerned about her ability to determine that the supplements are absorbable. The nurse should instruct the client to check the tablet's absorbability by performing which action?

Accepted Answer

Encourage the client taking calcium supplements to check that the calcium tablet is absorbable. To do this, put 1 tablet into 1 ounce of white vinegar. Stir every 3 minutes. The tablet should break up or dissolve within 30 minutes.

Question 4

The client has been ordered Kayexalate as a treatment for potassium excess. The nurse is gathering equipment to administer the medication and recognizes that the drug will be given as a(n):

Accepted Answer

Kayexalate is a medication that can be given rectally as an enema or orally.

Question 5

Tetany symptoms result from severe calcium deficit. The nurse checks for symptoms of tetany. Which symptoms are associated with tetany? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Muscle weakness is not characteristic of tetany; the other symptoms are.

Question 6

A client with cirrhosis is noted to have low serum albumin levels. The client is to receive 200 mL of albumin in 30 minutes. The drop factor for the IV set is 15 gtt/mL. The nurse correctly adjusts the IV rate to what?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A client with cirrhosis is noted to...

Question 7

A postoperative client enters the postanesthesia care unit and blood studies are done. The client's serum potassium level is 2.9 mEq/L. What will the nurse do next?

Accepted Answer

This level of potassium puts the client at risk for cardiac dysrhythmias. The nurse must monitor for cardiac irregularities.

Quiz 16: Fluid and Electrolyte Replacement