Exam 12: Fluid Volume and Electrolytes

The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving oral potassium chloride supplements. The nurse notes that the patient has a heart rate of 120 beats per minute and has had a urine output of 200 mL in the past 12 hours. The patient reports abdominal cramping. Which action will the nurse take?

A patient who is being treated for dehydration is receiving 5% dextrose and 0.45% normal saline with 20 mEq/L potassium chloride at a rate of 125 mL/h. The nurse assuming care for the patient reviews the patient's serum electrolytes and notes a serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L and a serum potassium level of 3.6 mEq/L. The patient had a urine output of 250 mL during the last 12-hour shift. Which action will the nurse take?

The nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient who is newly admitted to the intensive care unit. The nurse reviews the patient's admission electrolytes and notes a serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. Which action by the nurse is correct?

A patient asks the nurse about taking calcium supplements to avoid hypocalcemia. The nurse will suggest that the patient follow which instruction?

A patient is admitted after experiencing vomiting and diarrhea for several days. The provider orders intravenous lactated Ringer's solution. The nurse understands that this fluid is given for which purpose?

The nurse is performing an assessment on a patient brought to the emergency department for treatment for dehydration. The nurse assesses a respiratory rate of 26 breaths/minute, a heart rate of 110 beats/minute, a blood pressure of 86/50 mm Hg, and a temperature of 39.5° C. The patient becomes dizzy when transferred from the wheelchair to a bed. The nurse notes cool, clammy skin. Which diagnosis does the nurse suspect?

A patient's serum osmolality is 305 mOsm/kg. Which term describes this patient's body fluid osmolality?

A patient with cirrhosis is noted to have low serum albumin levels. The patient 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 rate? _______________ gtt/min

A patient is admitted with orthopnea, cough, pulmonary crackles, and peripheral edema. The patient's urine specific gravity is 1.002. The nurse will expect this patient's provider to order which treatment?

The nurse is caring for a patient who will receive 10% calcium gluconate to treat a serum potassium level of 5.9 mEq/L. The nurse performs a drug history prior to beginning the infusion. Which drug taken by the patient would cause concern?

The nurse is caring for a newly admitted patient who has severe gastroenteritis. The patient's electrolytes reveal a serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L and a serum potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L. The nurse receives an order for intravenous 5% dextrose and normal saline with 20 mEq/L potassium chloride to infuse at 125 mL/h. Which action is necessary prior to administering this fluid?

The nurse is caring for a newly admitted patient who will receive digoxin to treat a cardiac dysrhythmia. The patient takes hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL) and reports regular use of over-the-counter laxatives. Before administering the first dose of digoxin, the nurse will review the patient's electrolytes with careful attention to the levels of which electrolytes?

The nurse is caring for a patient who weighs 75 kg. The patient has intravenous (IV) fluids infusing at a rate of 50 mL/h and has consumed 100 mL of fluids orally in the past 24 hours. Which action will the nurse take?

The nurse is caring for a patient who has had severe vomiting. The patient's serum sodium level is 130 mEq/L. The nurse will expect the patient's provider to order which treatment?

The nurse is caring for a patient whose serum sodium level is 140 mEq/L and serum potassium level is 5.4 mEq/L. The nurse will contact the patient's provider to discuss an order for:

The nurse is administering intravenous fluids to a patient who is dehydrated. On the second day of care, the patient's weight is increased by 2.25 pounds. The nurse would expect that the patient's fluid intake has

A patient is taking a loop diuretic and reports anorexia and fatigue. The nurse suspects which electrolyte imbalance in this patient?

The provider has ordered sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) to be administered to a patient. The nurse caring for this patient would expect which serum electrolyte values prior to administration of this therapy?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving isotonic intravenous (IV) fluids at an infusion rate of 125 mL/h. The nurse performs an assessment and notes a heart rate of 102 beats per minute, a blood pressure of 160/85 mm Hg, and crackles auscultated in both lungs. Which action will the nurse take?

A patient is being treated for shock after a motor vehicle accident. The provider orders 6% dextran 75 to be given intravenously. The nurse should expect which outcome as the result of this infusion?