Fluid and Electrolyte Balance Flashcards
7 cards from real NCLEX practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Fluid and Electrolyte Balance flashcards as text
A patient requires peripheral IV potassium replacement. What is the maximum recommended infusion rate via a peripheral line?
Answer: 10 mEq/hour
IV potassium via a peripheral line must not exceed 10 mEq/hour to prevent cardiac arrhythmias and vein irritation.
Which nursing intervention is the priority for a patient with a serum potassium of 6.8 mEq/L?
Answer: Place the patient on continuous cardiac monitoring
Continuous cardiac monitoring is the priority because severe hyperkalemia causes life-threatening arrhythmias.
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone). Which intervention is most appropriate?
Answer: Implement strict fluid restriction
SIADH causes water retention and dilutional hyponatremia; fluid restriction is the cornerstone of management.
When should a patient take calcium carbonate supplements for maximum absorption?
Answer: With meals
Calcium carbonate requires an acidic environment and is best absorbed when taken with meals, when gastric acid secretion is highest.
A patient with diabetes insipidus is at risk for which fluid and electrolyte imbalance?
Answer: Hypernatremia and severe dehydration
Diabetes insipidus causes massive loss of free water through dilute urine, resulting in hypernatremia and severe dehydration.
Which laboratory value requires priority monitoring in a patient receiving IV magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia?
Answer: Serum magnesium level
Serum magnesium must be monitored closely during IV magnesium sulfate therapy to prevent toxicity, which can cause respiratory depression and cardiac arrest.
A nurse is assessing a patient for fluid volume deficit. Which laboratory finding would best support this diagnosis?
Answer: Urine specific gravity of 1.030
A urine specific gravity greater than 1.025 indicates highly concentrated urine, reflecting the kidney's attempt to conserve water in response to fluid volume deficit.