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?
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?
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?
Which of the following is a potential cause of hypermagnesemia?
Which of the following is a potential cause of hypermagnesemia?
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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:
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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.
