Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of sodium ($$\mathrm{Na^+}) in $$the body?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance of extracellular fluid volume and osmotic pressure

Question 2

A patient presents with muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and a serum potassium ($$\mathrm{K^+}) $$level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which intervention is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Encourage potassium-rich foods and administer potassium supplements as ordered

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents the bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer system in the blood?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CO_2$ + H_2O \rightleftharpoons H_2CO_3 \rightleftharpoons H^+ + $$HCO_3$$^-}$$

Question 4

A patient with chronic kidney disease is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance due to decreased renal excretion?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Question 5

Which of the following laboratory findings is most consistent with severe dehydration in an adult?

Accepted Answer

Serum sodium $$\u003e 145$$ mEq/L

Question 6

A patient is admitted with metabolic acidosis. Which of the following arterial blood gas (ABG) results would you expect?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{pH} = 7.30$$, $$\mathrm{$$HCO_3$$^-} = 18$$ mEq/L$

Question 7

Which hormone increases water reabsorption in the kidneys in response to increased plasma osmolality?

Accepted Answer

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Question 8

A patient with a serum calcium ($$\mathrm{Ca$$^{2+}$$}) $$level of 7.8 mg/dL is most likely to exhibit which clinical manifestation?

Accepted Answer

Tetany and muscle spasms

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why older adults are at increased risk for fluid volume deficit?

Accepted Answer

Decreased renal concentrating ability and reduced total body water

Question 10

A patient is experiencing respiratory alkalosis. Which compensatory mechanism will the body use to restore acid-base balance?

Accepted Answer

Decrease respiratory rate to retain $$\mathrm{CO_2$}$$

Question 11

Which of the following foods should be encouraged for a patient with hypokalemia?

Accepted Answer

Bananas, oranges, and potatoes

Question 12

A patient with heart failure is at risk for which type of fluid imbalance due to impaired cardiac output?

Accepted Answer

Fluid volume excess

Question 13

Which of the following is the most accurate indicator of fluid volume status in a hospitalized patient?

Accepted Answer

Daily body weight

Question 14

A patient with a serum magnesium ($$\mathrm{Mg$$^{2+}$$}) $$level of 1.0 mEq/L is most likely to experience which symptom?

Accepted Answer

Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis

Question 16

A patient with a serum sodium ($$\mathrm{Na^+}) $$level of 128 mEq/L is at risk for which complication if sodium levels are corrected too rapidly?

Accepted Answer

Osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS)

Question 17

Which of the following is a clinical manifestation of hyperphosphatemia?

Accepted Answer

Tetany and muscle spasms

Question 18

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is likely to develop which acid-base imbalance?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of albumin in fluid balance?

Accepted Answer

Exerts colloid osmotic pressure to retain fluid in the vascular compartment

Question 20

A patient is receiving a blood transfusion and develops fever, chills, and hypotension. What is the most appropriate initial nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Stop the transfusion immediately and notify the provider

Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance: Anatomy & Physiology Study Guide

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