CRNI Fluid and Electrolyte Balance Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient is admitted with severe dehydration secondary to gastroenteritis.
The physician orders an intravenous solution to correct the fluid volume deficit.
Which type of IV fluid is most appropriate for initial fluid resuscitation in this patient?

Accepted Answer

0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline)

Answer

0.45% Sodium Chloride (1/2 NS)

Answer

Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W)

Answer

3% Sodium Chloride

Question 2

A CRNI is assessing a patient with a serum calcium level of 7.2 mg/dL. Which of the following physical examination findings would be most consistent with this laboratory value?

Accepted Answer

Positive Chvostek's sign

Answer

Depressed deep tendon reflexes

Answer

Peaked T waves on ECG

Answer

Muscle flaccidity

Question 3

A post-operative patient who received large doses of opioid analgesia is noted to have a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute, is difficult to arouse, and has a PaCO2 of 55 mm Hg. The CRNI should recognize these findings as indicative of which acid-base imbalance?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory Acidosis

Answer

Metabolic Acidosis

Answer

Respiratory Alkalosis

Answer

Metabolic Alkalosis

Question 4

When developing a plan of care for a patient with a serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L and signs of euvolemic hyponatremia, which intervention is the priority for the CRNI to include?

Accepted Answer

Implementing a fluid restriction of 1 L per day.

Answer

Administering intravenous 0.9% NaCl at a rapid rate.

Answer

Encouraging a diet high in sodium-rich foods.

Answer

Preparing for the administration of intravenous insulin.

Question 5

A patient with end-stage renal disease has a serum potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which of the following ECG changes should the CRNI anticipate and report immediately?

Accepted Answer

Tall, peaked T waves

Answer

Prominent U wave

Answer

Shortened PR interval

Answer

Depressed ST segment

Question 6

A CRNI is caring for a patient receiving a continuous infusion of 3% Sodium Chloride for severe, symptomatic hyponatremia. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

New onset of confusion and signs of fluid overload.

Answer

A gradual increase in serum sodium from 115 to 118 mEq/L over 6 hours.

Answer

Patient report of a mild headache.

Answer

Urine output of 40 mL/hour.

A patient is admitted with severe dehydration secondary to gastroenteritis.The physician orders an intravenous solution to correct the fluid volume deficit.Which type of IV fluid is most appropriate for initial fluid resuscitation in this patient?

A patient is admitted with severe dehydration secondary to gastroenteritis.
The physician orders an intravenous solution to correct the fluid volume deficit.
Which type of IV fluid is most appropriate for initial fluid resuscitation in this patient?