Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process of osmosis in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Movement of water from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Question 2

A patient is admitted with severe burns and is developing edema in the tissue spaces. Which fluid imbalance is most likely occurring?

Accepted Answer

Third-space fluid shift

Question 3

Which of the following is the chief function of potassium in the body?

Accepted Answer

Chief regulator of cellular enzyme activity and water content

Question 4

A patient with a history of congestive heart failure presents with swelling in the lower extremities and shortness of breath. Which of the following best explains the underlying fluid imbalance?

Accepted Answer

Hypervolemia

Question 5

Which organ is primarily responsible for filtering 170 L of plasma and excreting 15 L of urine daily, thus playing a major role in fluid and electrolyte homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

Kidneys

Question 6

A patient is found to have a serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L after excessive water intake. Which electrolyte imbalance does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Hyponatremia

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the function of the carbonic acid–sodium bicarbonate buffer system in acid–base balance?

Accepted Answer

It buffers as much as 90% of the hydrogen ions in extracellular fluid.

Question 8

A patient is experiencing rapid, deep respirations and has a blood pH of 7.50. Which acid–base imbalance is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory alkalosis

Question 9

Which of the following statements about fluid compartments is correct?

Accepted Answer

Intracellular fluid (ICF) makes up about 70% of total body water.

Question 10

A nurse is caring for an infant who is at higher risk for fluid volume deficit compared to an adult. Which of the following best explains this increased risk?

Accepted Answer

Infants have a higher proportion of extracellular fluid.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the movement of solutes from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration without the use of energy?

Accepted Answer

Diffusion

Question 12

A patient is receiving a hypertonic intravenous solution. What is the expected effect on the patient's cells?

Accepted Answer

Cells will shrink as water moves out of them.

Question 13

Which of the following is a primary function of magnesium in the body?

Accepted Answer

Metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins, and vital actions involving enzymes

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of the parathyroid glands in fluid and electrolyte balance?

Accepted Answer

Regulate the level of calcium in extracellular fluid

Question 16

A patient is found to have a urine specific gravity of 1.030. What does this most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

Fluid volume deficit (dehydration)

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement regarding the acid–base balance in the body?

Accepted Answer

Alkalosis is caused by a loss of hydrogen ions.

Question 18

A patient is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) through a central venous access device. Which of the following is a key advantage of using this device?

Accepted Answer

It provides access for a variety of IV fluids, medications, blood products, and allows for hemodynamic monitoring and blood sampling.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the process of active transport in the movement of electrolytes across cell membranes?

Accepted Answer

Movement of substances from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration using energy.

Question 20

A patient is being evaluated for acid–base imbalance. The arterial blood gas results show a pH of 7.30 and a low bicarbonate ($$\mathrm{$$HCO_3$$^-}) $$level. Which condition is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis

Ch 41: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid–Base Balance

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