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NSG 3100 Exam 4
Comprehensive
Fluids, Electrolytes, Acid-
Base & Nutrition
NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Rationales
Topic Focus: Comprehensive Fluid, Electrolyte, Acid-Base, & Nutritional
Concepts
Edition 1 · July 2026 · 148 Questions
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales 2
NSG 3100 · Galen College of Nursing Page 1
,NSG 3100 EXAM 4 COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE GUIDE FLUIDS, ELECTROLYTES, ACID-BASE & NUTRITION
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is.
Category: Comprehensive Fluid, Electrolyte, Acid-Base, & Nutritional
Concepts
1 What is the normal sodium (Na) level?
A 135–145 mEq/L
B 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
C 9–10.5 mg/dL
D 98–106 mEq/L
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale:
Normal sodium levels are 135–145 mEq/L. Sodium is the primary extracellular cation and is
essential for fluid balance and nerve impulse conduction.
Tested Concept: Normal sodium level
,2 Hyponatremia is defined as:
A Sodium level less than 135 mEq/L
B Sodium level greater than 145 mEq/L
C Potassium level less than 3.5 mEq/L
D Calcium level less than 9 mg/dL
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale:
Hyponatremia is a sodium level less than 135 mEq/L. It can cause neurological symptoms due
to cerebral edema.
Tested Concept: Hyponatremia definition
3 Hypernatremia is defined as:
A Sodium level greater than 145 mEq/L
B Sodium level less than 135 mEq/L
C Potassium level greater than 5.0 mEq/L
D Calcium level greater than 10.5 mg/dL
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale:
Hypernatremia is a sodium level greater than 145 mEq/L. It is often caused by water loss or
excessive sodium intake.
Tested Concept: Hypernatremia definition
, 4 Causes of hypernatremia include: (Select all that apply.)
A Nausea and vomiting
B Diarrhea
C Hyperventilation
D Fever
CORRECT ANSWER: A, B, C, D
Rationale:
Causes of hypernatremia include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hyperventilation, and fever. These
conditions cause water loss, leading to elevated sodium levels.
Tested Concept: Causes of hypernatremia
5 Physical signs of hypernatremia include: (Select all that apply.)
A Thirst
B Dry mouth
C Swollen tongue
D Dry mucous membranes
CORRECT ANSWER: A, B, C, D
Rationale:
Physical signs of hypernatremia include thirst, dry mouth, swollen tongue, and dry mucous
membranes. These are signs of dehydration.
Tested Concept: Physical signs of hypernatremia
NSG 3100 Exam 4
Comprehensive
Fluids, Electrolytes, Acid-
Base & Nutrition
NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Rationales
Topic Focus: Comprehensive Fluid, Electrolyte, Acid-Base, & Nutritional
Concepts
Edition 1 · July 2026 · 148 Questions
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales 2
NSG 3100 · Galen College of Nursing Page 1
,NSG 3100 EXAM 4 COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE GUIDE FLUIDS, ELECTROLYTES, ACID-BASE & NUTRITION
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is.
Category: Comprehensive Fluid, Electrolyte, Acid-Base, & Nutritional
Concepts
1 What is the normal sodium (Na) level?
A 135–145 mEq/L
B 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
C 9–10.5 mg/dL
D 98–106 mEq/L
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale:
Normal sodium levels are 135–145 mEq/L. Sodium is the primary extracellular cation and is
essential for fluid balance and nerve impulse conduction.
Tested Concept: Normal sodium level
,2 Hyponatremia is defined as:
A Sodium level less than 135 mEq/L
B Sodium level greater than 145 mEq/L
C Potassium level less than 3.5 mEq/L
D Calcium level less than 9 mg/dL
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale:
Hyponatremia is a sodium level less than 135 mEq/L. It can cause neurological symptoms due
to cerebral edema.
Tested Concept: Hyponatremia definition
3 Hypernatremia is defined as:
A Sodium level greater than 145 mEq/L
B Sodium level less than 135 mEq/L
C Potassium level greater than 5.0 mEq/L
D Calcium level greater than 10.5 mg/dL
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale:
Hypernatremia is a sodium level greater than 145 mEq/L. It is often caused by water loss or
excessive sodium intake.
Tested Concept: Hypernatremia definition
, 4 Causes of hypernatremia include: (Select all that apply.)
A Nausea and vomiting
B Diarrhea
C Hyperventilation
D Fever
CORRECT ANSWER: A, B, C, D
Rationale:
Causes of hypernatremia include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hyperventilation, and fever. These
conditions cause water loss, leading to elevated sodium levels.
Tested Concept: Causes of hypernatremia
5 Physical signs of hypernatremia include: (Select all that apply.)
A Thirst
B Dry mouth
C Swollen tongue
D Dry mucous membranes
CORRECT ANSWER: A, B, C, D
Rationale:
Physical signs of hypernatremia include thirst, dry mouth, swollen tongue, and dry mucous
membranes. These are signs of dehydration.
Tested Concept: Physical signs of hypernatremia
