NUR 234 Exam 2 ATI Questions | Elimination and Fluid &
Electrolyte Balance | Answer Key | 2026/2027
1. Why is it important to increase fluid intake for a client experiencing diarrhea?
To promote weight gain
To enhance digestion
To prevent dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance
To increase appetite
2. Describe how age can influence the risk of dehydration in patients.
Older adults may have a decreased sense of thirst, making them
more susceptible to dehydration.
Age does not affect hydration status in patients.
Younger individuals are always at higher risk for dehydration due to
high activity levels.
Dehydration risk is the same across all age groups.
3. Which of the following symptoms is commonly associated with dehydration
due to diarrhea?
Poor skin turgor
High blood pressure
Bradycardia
Increased appetite
,4. To promote the safe use of a cane as an assistive device for a client who is
recovering from a musculoskeletal injury of the left lower extremity, which of
the following instructions should the nurse provide?
adjust the height of the cane so the arm is straight
hold the cane on the right side
place the cane 18 in in front of the feet before advancing.
remove the rubber tip from the end of the cane
5. Which of the following conditions is known to be associated with an
increased risk of developing hypocalcemia?
Bariatric surgery
Hyperlipidemia
Thyroid cancer
Diarrhea
Diabetes mellitus
6. What are common neuromuscular symptoms associated with dehydration?
Severe muscle spasms
Numbness and tingling
Increased muscle tone
Muscle weakness and cramps
7. Discuss why elderly individuals are at an increased risk for dehydration
compared to other age groups.
Elderly individuals have a higher metabolic rate requiring more fluids.
, Elderly individuals may have decreased thirst sensation and may be
on medications that increase fluid loss.
Elderly individuals typically consume more fluids than younger
populations.
Elderly individuals are more physically active, leading to increased
fluid needs.
8. The nurse is assessing a patient notes a bounding pulse quality, neck vein
distention when supine, presence of crackles in the lungs, and increasing
peripheral edema. What fluid disorder do these findings reflect?
Fluid homeostasis
Fluid hydration
FVD
FVE
9. A client arrives at the emergency department with signs of acute
hypovolemia. Which diagnostic test will the nurse evaluate as most relevant
to determining if the hypovolemia is related to water loss or blood loss?
Blood urea nitrogen
Plasma sodium
Urine sodium
Hematocrit
10. A child is diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism. Which electrolyte imbalance
would the nurse most likely expect to address?
hypomagnesemia
hyperkalemia
, hypocalcemia
hyponatremia
11. A nurse is caring for a patient who has been immobile for several days. How
should the nurse explain the benefits of using a sequential compression
device to the patient?
The device will prevent muscle atrophy by exercising the legs.
The device will help improve blood flow and reduce the risk of
blood clots.
The device will protect the skin from pressure injuries.
The device will ensure that the joints remain flexible.
12. A patient presents with signs of dehydration and low blood pressure. If the
nurse suspects hypovolemia, which assessment finding would most strongly
support this diagnosis?
Increased hematocrit
Increased blood pressure
Decreased urine output
Increased urine specific gravity
13. Which of the following is the population at highest risk for dehydration?
Adolescents
Elderly
Children
middle-aged adults
Electrolyte Balance | Answer Key | 2026/2027
1. Why is it important to increase fluid intake for a client experiencing diarrhea?
To promote weight gain
To enhance digestion
To prevent dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance
To increase appetite
2. Describe how age can influence the risk of dehydration in patients.
Older adults may have a decreased sense of thirst, making them
more susceptible to dehydration.
Age does not affect hydration status in patients.
Younger individuals are always at higher risk for dehydration due to
high activity levels.
Dehydration risk is the same across all age groups.
3. Which of the following symptoms is commonly associated with dehydration
due to diarrhea?
Poor skin turgor
High blood pressure
Bradycardia
Increased appetite
,4. To promote the safe use of a cane as an assistive device for a client who is
recovering from a musculoskeletal injury of the left lower extremity, which of
the following instructions should the nurse provide?
adjust the height of the cane so the arm is straight
hold the cane on the right side
place the cane 18 in in front of the feet before advancing.
remove the rubber tip from the end of the cane
5. Which of the following conditions is known to be associated with an
increased risk of developing hypocalcemia?
Bariatric surgery
Hyperlipidemia
Thyroid cancer
Diarrhea
Diabetes mellitus
6. What are common neuromuscular symptoms associated with dehydration?
Severe muscle spasms
Numbness and tingling
Increased muscle tone
Muscle weakness and cramps
7. Discuss why elderly individuals are at an increased risk for dehydration
compared to other age groups.
Elderly individuals have a higher metabolic rate requiring more fluids.
, Elderly individuals may have decreased thirst sensation and may be
on medications that increase fluid loss.
Elderly individuals typically consume more fluids than younger
populations.
Elderly individuals are more physically active, leading to increased
fluid needs.
8. The nurse is assessing a patient notes a bounding pulse quality, neck vein
distention when supine, presence of crackles in the lungs, and increasing
peripheral edema. What fluid disorder do these findings reflect?
Fluid homeostasis
Fluid hydration
FVD
FVE
9. A client arrives at the emergency department with signs of acute
hypovolemia. Which diagnostic test will the nurse evaluate as most relevant
to determining if the hypovolemia is related to water loss or blood loss?
Blood urea nitrogen
Plasma sodium
Urine sodium
Hematocrit
10. A child is diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism. Which electrolyte imbalance
would the nurse most likely expect to address?
hypomagnesemia
hyperkalemia
, hypocalcemia
hyponatremia
11. A nurse is caring for a patient who has been immobile for several days. How
should the nurse explain the benefits of using a sequential compression
device to the patient?
The device will prevent muscle atrophy by exercising the legs.
The device will help improve blood flow and reduce the risk of
blood clots.
The device will protect the skin from pressure injuries.
The device will ensure that the joints remain flexible.
12. A patient presents with signs of dehydration and low blood pressure. If the
nurse suspects hypovolemia, which assessment finding would most strongly
support this diagnosis?
Increased hematocrit
Increased blood pressure
Decreased urine output
Increased urine specific gravity
13. Which of the following is the population at highest risk for dehydration?
Adolescents
Elderly
Children
middle-aged adults
