Podcast
Questions and Answers
A patient exhibiting a weak, thready pulse, decreased skin turgor, and dark yellow urine is likely experiencing which of the following?
A patient exhibiting a weak, thready pulse, decreased skin turgor, and dark yellow urine is likely experiencing which of the following?
- ECF volume deficit (correct)
- Hypokalemia
- ECF volume excess
- Hypernatremia
Which of these findings would lead the nurse to suspect hyperkalemia in a patient?
Which of these findings would lead the nurse to suspect hyperkalemia in a patient?
- Increased intake of sodium with inadequate water intake
- Excessive loss of potassium through the GI tract
- Significant renal impairment (correct)
- Shift of Potassium from the ECF to the ICF
A patient is diagnosed with hypocalcemia. Which of the following could be a contributing factor to this condition?
A patient is diagnosed with hypocalcemia. Which of the following could be a contributing factor to this condition?
- Metastatic bone disease
- Hyperactive parathyroid gland
- PTH deficiency (correct)
- Excessive intake of calcium-rich foods
Which of the following is a potential cause of hypermagnesemia?
Which of the following is a potential cause of hypermagnesemia?
A patient presents with bounding pulse, hypertension, and edema. The nurse should suspect:
A patient presents with bounding pulse, hypertension, and edema. The nurse should suspect:
Flashcards
ECF Volume Deficit
ECF Volume Deficit
A condition where there is too little fluid in the body, often caused by dehydration or excessive fluid loss.
ECF Volume Excess
ECF Volume Excess
A condition where there is too much fluid in the body, often caused by fluid overload or kidney failure.
Hypernatremia
Hypernatremia
High levels of sodium in the blood, often caused by dehydration or excessive water loss.
Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia
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Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia
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Study Notes
Extracellular Fluid (ECF) Imbalances
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ECF Volume Deficit: Characterized by decreased cap refill, skin turgor, confusion, restlessness, drowsiness, lethargy, dark yellow urine (concentrated), tachypnea, tachycardia, weight loss, seizures, and low-grade fever. Postural hypotension is also a symptom.
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ECF Volume Excess: Presented by a bounding pulse, hypertension, confusion, headache, lethargy, weakness, edema, dyspnea, and pulmonary crackles. Tachycardia is also a common finding.
Electrolyte Imbalances & Causes
Sodium (Na+)
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Normal Range: 136-145 mEq/L
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Hypernatremia (high Na+): Caused by insufficient water intake or excessive water loss.
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Hyponatremia (low Na+): Results from sodium loss or excess water intake.
Potassium (K+)
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Normal Range: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
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Hyperkalemia (high K+): Common causes include impaired kidney excretion, excessive potassium intake, and potassium shifting from intracellular to extracellular fluid.
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Hypokalemia (low K+): Caused by increased potassium loss (e.g., through the kidneys or GI tract), potassium shifting from extracellular to intracellular fluid, or decreased dietary potassium intake (less common).
Calcium (Ca2+)
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Normal Range: 9.0-10.5 mg/dL
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Hypercalcemia (high Ca2+): Linked to hyperactive parathyroid glands or certain cancers (e.g., kidney, breast, prostate, ovarian, hematologic, and lung).
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Hypocalcemia (low Ca2+): Frequently associated with conditions affecting parathyroid hormone (PTH) deficiency or multiple blood transfusions.
Magnesium (Mg2+)
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Normal Range: 1.3-2.1 mEq/L
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Hypermagnesemia (high Mg2+): Caused by increased magnesium intake, renal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, metastatic bone disease, or intravenous magnesium use (especially in eclampsia).
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Hypomagnesemia (low Mg2+): Associated with limited magnesium intake, gastrointestinal or renal losses, prolonged fasting, starvation, chronic alcohol use, and use of diuretics, proton pump inhibitors, or antibiotics.
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Description
This quiz covers the imbalances of extracellular fluid and essential electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Test your knowledge on their symptoms, normal ranges, and causes of imbalances. Perfect for nursing and medical students seeking to understand fluid and electrolyte management.
