NUR 172 HONDROS EXAM 1 FINAL PAPER
2026 INTRODUCTION TO NURSING
PRACTICE FULL ANSWERS AND CLINICAL
INSIGHT
◉ Electrolytes
Answer: Na+ 135-145
K+ 3.5-5
Ca++ 4.4-5
Mg++ 1.5-2.5
◉ Hyponatremia
Answer: Causes: Diaphoresis, acites, burns, diarrhea, GI drainage
S/S: Abdominal cramps, fatigue, headache, N/V, postural
hypotension
Severe deficit: Coma, seizures, shock, altered LOC
Nursing interventions: Daily weights, monitor VS, I&Os, IV fluids,
skin turgor
**Can cause seizures, coma, and brain swelling**
**Isotonic IV-LR**
, ◉ Hypernatremia
Answer: Causes: too much antacids, dairy in large amounts, overuse
of table salts
S/S: Dry mucous membranes, low urine output, restlessness,
agitation, confusion
Severe deficits: Death, manic excitement, tachycardia
Nursing interventions: Monitor VS, ABG, I&O, daily weights, decrease
Na+ intakes
**Lower levels gradually by decreasing Na+ intake or by increasing
water in the body**
◉ Hypokalemia
Answer: Causes: Increased urine output, GI loss, metabolic alkalosis
S/S: Cardiac arrhythmias, decreased bowel sounds, constipation,
cramps
Severe deficits: Cardiac/respiratory arrest, kidney damage
Nursing interventions: Administer K+ , monitor bowel sounds, I&O,
electrolytes
**Never IV push K+
◉ Hyperkalemia
Answer: Causes: adrenal insufficiency, beta blockers, metabolic
acidosis, renal failure
2026 INTRODUCTION TO NURSING
PRACTICE FULL ANSWERS AND CLINICAL
INSIGHT
◉ Electrolytes
Answer: Na+ 135-145
K+ 3.5-5
Ca++ 4.4-5
Mg++ 1.5-2.5
◉ Hyponatremia
Answer: Causes: Diaphoresis, acites, burns, diarrhea, GI drainage
S/S: Abdominal cramps, fatigue, headache, N/V, postural
hypotension
Severe deficit: Coma, seizures, shock, altered LOC
Nursing interventions: Daily weights, monitor VS, I&Os, IV fluids,
skin turgor
**Can cause seizures, coma, and brain swelling**
**Isotonic IV-LR**
, ◉ Hypernatremia
Answer: Causes: too much antacids, dairy in large amounts, overuse
of table salts
S/S: Dry mucous membranes, low urine output, restlessness,
agitation, confusion
Severe deficits: Death, manic excitement, tachycardia
Nursing interventions: Monitor VS, ABG, I&O, daily weights, decrease
Na+ intakes
**Lower levels gradually by decreasing Na+ intake or by increasing
water in the body**
◉ Hypokalemia
Answer: Causes: Increased urine output, GI loss, metabolic alkalosis
S/S: Cardiac arrhythmias, decreased bowel sounds, constipation,
cramps
Severe deficits: Cardiac/respiratory arrest, kidney damage
Nursing interventions: Administer K+ , monitor bowel sounds, I&O,
electrolytes
**Never IV push K+
◉ Hyperkalemia
Answer: Causes: adrenal insufficiency, beta blockers, metabolic
acidosis, renal failure
