Electrolytes are minerals that carry electrical charges and play vital roles in maintaining fluid homeostasis.
Correct Answer
True
Electrolytes regulate nerve function, muscle function, fluid balance, and help maintain healthy pH levels in the body.
Question 2
Potassium is an essential cation found primarily outside cells in the extracellular fluid.
Correct Answer
False
Potassium is primarily found inside cells (intracellular). The normal intracellular concentration is approximately 140 mEq/L, while extracellular is around 4 mEq/L.
Question 3
The normal extracellular concentration of potassium is approximately 4 mEq/L.
Correct Answer
True
Maintaining potassium within this narrow range is critical because even small deviations can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias.
Question 4
Hyperkalemia refers to abnormally low levels of potassium in the blood.
Correct Answer
False
Hyperkalemia refers to abnormally high potassium levels. Hypokalemia refers to abnormally low potassium levels.
Question 5
Chloride ions are important for the formation of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
Correct Answer
True
Chloride is essential for digestion. It works with other electrolytes like sodium and potassium to maintain electrical balance and conduct nerve impulses.
Question 6
The therapeutic range for chloride is 98 to 106 mEq/L.
Correct Answer
True
Levels above 106 mEq/L (hyperchloremia) or below 98 mEq/L (hypochloremia) indicate an imbalance requiring investigation and treatment.
Question 7
Hyperchloremia can be caused by dehydration, metabolic acidosis, and kidney disease.
Correct Answer
True
Certain drugs like chemotherapy agents can also contribute to hyperchloremia. Manifestations include weakness, confusion, lethargy, and tachypnea.
Question 8
Hypocalcemia can result from hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, and malnutrition.
Correct Answer
True
Calcium levels below 8.8 mg/dL indicate hypocalcemia, which can also be caused by hyperphosphatemia, diarrhea, and alcoholism.
Question 9
Treatment for hypercalcemia may include loop diuretics, bisphosphonates, or calcitonin.
Correct Answer
True
These drugs help decrease calcium levels. IV fluids may also be used to help flush excess calcium from the body.
Question 10
Hypomagnesemia can cause weakness, tremors, cramps, arrhythmias, and seizures.
Correct Answer
True
Low magnesium levels (below 1.46 mEq/L) can be caused by malnutrition, alcoholism, GI disorders, and medications such as diuretics.
Question 11
Sodium is the primary cation found in intracellular fluid.
Correct Answer
False
Sodium is the primary cation found in extracellular fluid (ECF). Potassium is the primary intracellular cation.
Question 12
Electrolyte imbalances can lead to cardiac arrhythmias.
Correct Answer
True
Both potassium and calcium imbalances can cause dangerous cardiac rhythm disturbances, making close monitoring essential.
Question 13
IV fluids are never used to treat electrolyte imbalances.
Correct Answer
False
IV fluids are commonly used to treat various electrolyte imbalances, including administering normal saline for hyponatremia or IV calcium for severe hypocalcemia.
Question 14
Loop diuretics can contribute to hypokalemia by increasing potassium excretion.
Correct Answer
True
Loop diuretics block sodium and potassium reabsorption in the loop of Henle, leading to significant potassium loss and risk of hypokalemia.
Question 15
Calcium-containing antacids can be used excessively without risk of hypercalcemia.
Correct Answer
False
Overuse of calcium-containing antacids can contribute to hypercalcemia. Clients should be cautioned about excessive use.
Question 16
Magnesium supplementation can be given orally or intravenously to treat hypomagnesemia.
Correct Answer
True
The route depends on severity. IV magnesium is used for severe deficiency, while oral supplements are appropriate for mild cases.
Question 17
Hypernatremia occurs when serum sodium levels are abnormally low.
Correct Answer
False
Hypernatremia is high sodium levels. Hyponatremia is low sodium levels. Both can cause neurological symptoms and require careful correction.
Question 18
Electrolytes are found in both intracellular fluid and extracellular fluid compartments.
Correct Answer
True
Different electrolytes predominate in different compartments: potassium is primarily intracellular while sodium is primarily extracellular.
Question 19
Nurses should monitor electrolyte levels and report changes in client symptoms or lab values to the health care provider.
Correct Answer
True
Timely reporting of electrolyte changes is essential because imbalances can quickly become life-threatening.
Question 20
Hypercalcemia can cause complications including kidney stones, renal impairment, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Correct Answer
True
Excess calcium can deposit in the kidneys and affect cardiac conduction. Monitoring calcium levels and vital signs is a key nursing implication.
Question 21
Phosphorus levels have no relationship to calcium levels in the body.
Correct Answer
False
Calcium and phosphorus have an inverse relationship. When one rises, the other tends to fall. Hyperphosphatemia can cause hypocalcemia.
Question 22
Dehydration can cause electrolyte imbalances by concentrating electrolytes in the blood.
Correct Answer
True
As fluid volume decreases, the relative concentration of electrolytes increases, potentially pushing levels outside their therapeutic ranges.
Question 23
Potassium replacement should be given rapidly by IV push to correct hypokalemia.
Correct Answer
False
IV potassium must never be given by IV push because it can cause fatal cardiac arrest. It must be diluted and administered slowly via infusion pump.
Question 24
Signs of hypokalemia include muscle weakness, fatigue, and cardiac dysrhythmias.
Correct Answer
True
Low potassium impairs muscle contraction and cardiac electrical activity. Severe hypokalemia can cause life-threatening arrhythmias and respiratory failure.
Question 25
The nurse should assess clients receiving IV potassium for signs of phlebitis at the infusion site.
Correct Answer
True
IV potassium is irritating to veins and can cause pain, inflammation, and phlebitis at the infusion site. The nurse should monitor the site closely.