Nursing 3500 Practice Test Questions and Correct Answers

Which of the following is a clinical manifestation of hypokalemia? a) Oliguria b) irritability c) soft flabby muscles d) Abdominal cramping c) Soft flabby muscles Following bowel surgery, a patient has been receiving normal saline intravenous (IV) fluids at 100 mL per hour; has a nasogastric tube attached to low, intermittent suction; and is on nothing by mouth (NPO) status. Which of the following assessment findings would alert the nurse to a major fluid and electrolyte problem? a. Flushed, moist skin b. A decreasing level of consciousness (LOC) c. A serum sodium level of 138 mmol/L d. Weight gain b) decreasing level of conciousness What is the most reliable index of volume status when caring for a patient with a fluid imbalance? a. Skin turgor b. Daily weight patterns c. Hourly urinary output d. Presence of edema b) daily weight patterns When monitoring the fluid and electrolyte status of the older adult, what does the nurse recognize that impairment of the thirst mechanism may lead to? a. Decreased production of ADH b. Cellular edema c. Hyperosmolality d. Isotonic fluid deficit A patient is taking hydrochlorothiazide, a potassium-wasting diuretic, for treatment of hypertension. What symptoms should the nurse teach the patient to report? a. Fatigue and muscle weakness b. Anxiety and muscle twitching c. Abdominal cramping and diarrhea d. Confusion and personality changes a) fatigue and muscle weakness