ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCES GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION 2026 FULL QUESTION SET WITH VERIFIED SOLUTIONS

ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCES GALEN
COLLEGE OF NURSING COMPREHENSIVE
EXAMINATION 2026 FULL QUESTION SET
WITH VERIFIED SOLUTIONS

◉ Functions of sodium.
Answer: -stimulates conduction of nerve and muscle fiber impulses
-primary regulator is kidney
-sources of sodium is through dietary intake


◉ S/S of Hyponatremia.
Answer: -cerebral changes: depressed and/or excessive activity,
behavior, LOC and mental status changes
-neuromuscular changes: general weakness, worse in legs/arms,
reflexes diminished
-intestinal changes: increased motility, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal
cramping
-cardiovascular changes: changes in CO, low BP, weak pulse,
dizziness


◉ nursing actions with hyponatremia.
Answer: -vital signs every 4-8 hrs

, -monitor Na+ levels
-monitor IV fluids high in Na+
-encourage foods high in Na+
- observe for s/s of overhydration
-irrigate NG tubes and counds with NS
-daily wt. and I&O
-assess LOC


◉ Hyponatremia b/c of sodium loss.
Answer: GI losses (diarrhea, vomiting, fistulas, NG); renal losses
(diuretics, adrenal insufficiency); skin losses (burns, wound
damage)


◉ Hyponatremia b/c of h2o gain.
Answer: SIADH, congestive heart failure, excessive hypotonic IV
fluids, primary polydipsia


◉ Hypernatremia b/c of water loss.
Answer: increased insensible water loss or perspiration, suction,
high fever, heatstroke; diabetes insipidus, osmotic diuresis


◉ Hypernatremia b/c of sodium gain.