Fundamentals of Nursing
Fluids & Electrolytes
Notes, Summary & Exam
Questions (ATI, NCLEX,
HESI Prep) (Test for 2026
Prep) Review | Graded A+
| Guaranteed success|
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
, Potassium (K) 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Hypokalemia causes Diuretics, GI fluid loss through vomiting, gastric suction or diarrhea, steroid
administration, hyperaldosteronism, anorexia or bulimia
Signs and symptoms of hypokalemia Fatigue, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, decreased GI motility,
dysrhythmias, paresthesia, flat T wave on EKG, increased sensitivity to digitalis
Treatment for hypokalemia Monitor I&O, monitor Potassium levels, administer potassium supplements,
encourage intake of foods rich in K, if patient is taking digoxin, monitor pulse and
observe for toxicity
Nursing Interventions for Hypokalemia Monitor HR & rhythm
Administer oral potassium
Administer IV potassium
Teach client about potassium rich foods
Teach clients how to prevent excessive loss of potassium
Hyperkalemia causes Renal failure, potassium sparing diuretics, hypoaldosteronism, high potassium
intake coupled with renal insufficiency, acidosis, major trauma
Signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia Muscle weakness, dysrhythmias, flaccid paralysis, intestinal colic, Tall T waves
on EKG,
Treatment of hyperkalemia Monitor I&O, monitor K+ levels, caution about K+ rich food intake in patients with
elevated creatinine levels
Nursing Interventions for Hyperkalemia Identify high risk patients
Provide cardiac monitoring
Monitor I&O
Furosemide
Dialysis
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)
Sodium bicarbonate
Chloride (Cl) Normal range: 95-105
Location: major anion in EFC
Function: works with sodium to maintain osmotic pressure between fluid
compartments, essential for production of HCL for gastric secretions, functions
as a buffer in oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange in RBCs, assists with acid-base
balance
Phosphate (PO4) Normal range: 1.7-2.6
Location: major anion in the ICF
Function: serves as a catalyst for many intracellular activities, promotes muscle
and nerve action, assists with acid-base balance, important for cell division &
transmission of hereditary traits
Bicarbonate (HCO3) Normal range: 22-26
Location: major buffer in the body in ECF & ICF
Function: maintains acid-base balance by functioning as the primary buffer in the
body
Sodium (Na) Normal range: 135-145
Location: major cation in ECF
Function: regulates fluid volume, helps maintain blood volume, interacts with
calcium to maintain muscle contraction, and stimulates conduction of nerve
impulses
Fluids & Electrolytes
Notes, Summary & Exam
Questions (ATI, NCLEX,
HESI Prep) (Test for 2026
Prep) Review | Graded A+
| Guaranteed success|
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
, Potassium (K) 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Hypokalemia causes Diuretics, GI fluid loss through vomiting, gastric suction or diarrhea, steroid
administration, hyperaldosteronism, anorexia or bulimia
Signs and symptoms of hypokalemia Fatigue, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, decreased GI motility,
dysrhythmias, paresthesia, flat T wave on EKG, increased sensitivity to digitalis
Treatment for hypokalemia Monitor I&O, monitor Potassium levels, administer potassium supplements,
encourage intake of foods rich in K, if patient is taking digoxin, monitor pulse and
observe for toxicity
Nursing Interventions for Hypokalemia Monitor HR & rhythm
Administer oral potassium
Administer IV potassium
Teach client about potassium rich foods
Teach clients how to prevent excessive loss of potassium
Hyperkalemia causes Renal failure, potassium sparing diuretics, hypoaldosteronism, high potassium
intake coupled with renal insufficiency, acidosis, major trauma
Signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia Muscle weakness, dysrhythmias, flaccid paralysis, intestinal colic, Tall T waves
on EKG,
Treatment of hyperkalemia Monitor I&O, monitor K+ levels, caution about K+ rich food intake in patients with
elevated creatinine levels
Nursing Interventions for Hyperkalemia Identify high risk patients
Provide cardiac monitoring
Monitor I&O
Furosemide
Dialysis
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)
Sodium bicarbonate
Chloride (Cl) Normal range: 95-105
Location: major anion in EFC
Function: works with sodium to maintain osmotic pressure between fluid
compartments, essential for production of HCL for gastric secretions, functions
as a buffer in oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange in RBCs, assists with acid-base
balance
Phosphate (PO4) Normal range: 1.7-2.6
Location: major anion in the ICF
Function: serves as a catalyst for many intracellular activities, promotes muscle
and nerve action, assists with acid-base balance, important for cell division &
transmission of hereditary traits
Bicarbonate (HCO3) Normal range: 22-26
Location: major buffer in the body in ECF & ICF
Function: maintains acid-base balance by functioning as the primary buffer in the
body
Sodium (Na) Normal range: 135-145
Location: major cation in ECF
Function: regulates fluid volume, helps maintain blood volume, interacts with
calcium to maintain muscle contraction, and stimulates conduction of nerve
impulses
