FLUID AND ELECTROLYTE MANAGEMENT
RNC NIC EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Magnesium Homeostasis: ANSWER 1.5-2.5 mg/dl; essential for muscular
contractions and enzymatic activity.
When should urine production be measured to ensure maximum accuracy? -
ANSWER immediately after it occurs; infants on radiant warmers may lose
volume owing to evaporation before diaper is weighed.
Sodium - A significant extracellular cation that plays an important function in
fluid homeostasis.
What is the most significant fluid change for the neonate upon birth? -
ANSWER decrease in extracellular volume when diuresis is established within
the first week of life; this results in weight loss of roughly 10-15% to 20% in
premature infants.
Foetal nephrones are underdeveloped until what week of gestation? - Answer:
34 weeks.
The posterior pituitary produces the antidiuretic hormone ADH, which is
synthesised in ANSWER to hypotension (low fluid volume) and
hyperosmolality.
What is a neonate's normal urine output? - ANSWER: 1-4 ml/kg/hour.
, Insensible Water Loss IWL: ANSWER Unmeasurable fluid loss that typically
happens through the skin and pulmonary system in the newborn.
TEWL (transepidermal water loss) is a type of insensible water loss. TEWL
What is the leading cause of IWL in premature infants? - ANSWER TEWL
TEWL ____________ reduces as gestational age increases.
When is TEWL at its highest? - ANSWER The first day following birth;
improves as the skin barrier matures.
What is the usual fluid maintenance rate (ml/kg/day) during the first 3 to 5 days
of life? - ANSWER: 60-100 mL/kg/day
What weight is used while calculating fluid maintenance? - ANSWER:
Typically, birth weight is not current weight until birth weight is re-established.
For babies weighing less than one kilogramme, what percentage of dextrose is
advised and why? - ANSWER 5%; to avoid hyperglycemia
Describe the clinical manifestations of fluid loss in a neonate. - Symptoms
include decreased urine output (<1 or <0.5 ml/kg/hr), elevated urine specific
gravity, weight loss, and impaired skin turgor (a late indicator). Dry mucous
membranes.
What haemodynamic alterations are associated with fluid depletion in the
neonate? - ANSWER Low blood pressure; weak pulses; sluggish cap filling
RNC NIC EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Magnesium Homeostasis: ANSWER 1.5-2.5 mg/dl; essential for muscular
contractions and enzymatic activity.
When should urine production be measured to ensure maximum accuracy? -
ANSWER immediately after it occurs; infants on radiant warmers may lose
volume owing to evaporation before diaper is weighed.
Sodium - A significant extracellular cation that plays an important function in
fluid homeostasis.
What is the most significant fluid change for the neonate upon birth? -
ANSWER decrease in extracellular volume when diuresis is established within
the first week of life; this results in weight loss of roughly 10-15% to 20% in
premature infants.
Foetal nephrones are underdeveloped until what week of gestation? - Answer:
34 weeks.
The posterior pituitary produces the antidiuretic hormone ADH, which is
synthesised in ANSWER to hypotension (low fluid volume) and
hyperosmolality.
What is a neonate's normal urine output? - ANSWER: 1-4 ml/kg/hour.
, Insensible Water Loss IWL: ANSWER Unmeasurable fluid loss that typically
happens through the skin and pulmonary system in the newborn.
TEWL (transepidermal water loss) is a type of insensible water loss. TEWL
What is the leading cause of IWL in premature infants? - ANSWER TEWL
TEWL ____________ reduces as gestational age increases.
When is TEWL at its highest? - ANSWER The first day following birth;
improves as the skin barrier matures.
What is the usual fluid maintenance rate (ml/kg/day) during the first 3 to 5 days
of life? - ANSWER: 60-100 mL/kg/day
What weight is used while calculating fluid maintenance? - ANSWER:
Typically, birth weight is not current weight until birth weight is re-established.
For babies weighing less than one kilogramme, what percentage of dextrose is
advised and why? - ANSWER 5%; to avoid hyperglycemia
Describe the clinical manifestations of fluid loss in a neonate. - Symptoms
include decreased urine output (<1 or <0.5 ml/kg/hr), elevated urine specific
gravity, weight loss, and impaired skin turgor (a late indicator). Dry mucous
membranes.
What haemodynamic alterations are associated with fluid depletion in the
neonate? - ANSWER Low blood pressure; weak pulses; sluggish cap filling
