2025/2026
medical surgical
testbank questions and
answers 2025/2026
latest update 100%
verified
USER
STUVIA
,Exam 1 -
Chapter 17: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Imbalances ---
1. The nurse obtains all of the following assessment data about a patient with deficient fluid volume
caused by a massive burn injury. Which of the following assessment data will be of greatest concern?
a.
The blood pressure is 90/40 mm Hg.
b.
Urine output is 30 ml over the last hour.
c.
Oral fluid intake is 100 ml for the last 8 hours.
d.
There is prolonged skin tenting over the sternum. - ✔✔answer The blood pressure is 90/40 mm Hg.
Rationale: The blood pressure indicates that the patient may be developing hypovolemic shock as a
result of fluid loss. This will require immediate intervention to prevent the complications associated with
systemic hypoperfusion. The poor oral intake, decreased urine output, and skin tenting all indicate the
need for increasing the patients fluid intake but not as urgently as the hypotension.
2. A recently admitted patient has a small cell carcinoma of the lung, which is causing the syndrome of
inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). The nurse will monitor carefully for
,a.
increased total urinary output.
b.
elevation of serum hematocrit.
c.
decreased serum sodium level.
d.
rapid and unexpected weight loss. - ✔✔answer decreased serum sodium level.
Rationale: SIADH causes water retention and a decrease in serum sodium level. Weight loss, increased
urine output, and elevated serum hematocrit may be associated with excessive loss of water, but not
with SIADH and water retention.
3. When the nurse is evaluating the fluid balance for a patient admitted for hypovolemia associated with
multiple draining wounds, the most accurate assessment to include is
a.
skin turgor.
b.
,daily weight.
c.
presence of edema.
d.
hourly urine output. - ✔✔answer daily weight.
Rationale: Daily weight is the most easily obtained and accurate means of assessing volume status. Skin
turgor varies considerably with age. Considerable excess fluid volume may be present before fluid
moves into the interstitial space and causes edema. Hourly urine outputs do not take account of fluid
intake or of fluid loss through insensible loss, sweating, or loss from the gastrointestinal tract or wounds.
4. When caring for an alert and oriented elderly patient with a history of dehydration, the home health
nurse will teach the patient to increase fluid intake
a.
in the late evening hours.
b.
if the oral mucosa feels dry.
c.
when the patient feels thirsty.
,d.
as soon as changes in level of consciousness (LOC) occur. - ✔✔answer if the oral mucosa feels dry.
Rationale: An alert, elderly patient will be able to self-assess for signs of oral dryness such as thick oral
secretions or dry-appearing mucosa. The thirst mechanism decreases with age and is not an accurate
indicator of volume depletion. Many older patients prefer to restrict fluids slightly in the evening to
improve sleep quality. The patient will not be likely to notice and act appropriately when changes in LOC
occur.
5. A patient is taking a potassium-wasting diuretic for treatment of hypertension. The nurse will teach
the patient to report symptoms of adverse effects such as
a.
personality changes.
b.
frequent loose stools.
c.
facial muscle spasms.
d.
generalized weakness. - ✔✔answer generalized weakness.
Rationale: Generalized weakness progressing to flaccidity is a manifestation of hypokalemia. Facial
muscle spasms might occur with hypocalcemia. Loose stools are associated with hyperkalemia.
,Personality changes are not associated with electrolyte disturbances, although changes in mental status
are common manifestations with sodium excess or deficit.
6. Spironolactone (Aldactone), an aldosterone antagonist, is prescribed for a patient as a diuretic. Which
statement by the patient indicates that the teaching about this medication has been effective?
a.
I will try to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.
b.
I will use a salt substitute to decrease my sodium intake.
c.
I will increase my intake of potassium-containing foods.
d.
I will drink apple juice instead of orange juice for breakfast. - ✔✔answer I will drink apple juice instead
of orange juice for breakfast.
Rationale: Since spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, patients should be taught to choose low
potassium foods such as apple juice rather than foods that have higher levels of potassium, such as
citrus fruits. Because the patient is using spironolactone as a diuretic, the nurse would not encourage
the patient to increase fluid intake. Teach patients to avoid salt substitutes, which are high in potassium.
7. When caring for a patient admitted with hyponatremia, which actions will the nurse anticipate
taking?
,a.
Restrict patients oral free water intake.
b.
Avoid use of electrolyte-containing drinks.
c.
Infuse a solution of 5% dextrose in 0.45% saline.
d.
Administer vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, [ADH]). - ✔✔answer Restrict patients oral free water
intake.
Rationale: To help improve serum sodium levels, water intake is restricted. Electrolyte-containing
beverages will improve the patients sodium level. Administration of vasopressin or hypotonic IV
solutions will decrease the serum sodium level further.
8. Intravenous potassium chloride (KCl) 60 mEq is prescribed for treatment of a patient with severe
hypokalemia. Which action should the nurse take?
a.
Administer the KCl as a rapid IV bolus.
b.
,Infuse the KCl at a rate of 20 mEq/hour.
c.
Give the KCl only through a central venous line.
d.
Add no more than 40 mEq/L to a liter of IV fluid. - ✔✔answer Infuse the KCl at a rate of 20 mEq/hour.
Rationale: Intravenous KCl is administered at a maximal rate of 20 mEq/hr. Rapid IV infusion of KCl can
cause cardiac arrest. Although the preferred concentration for KCl is no more than 40 mEq/L,
concentrations up to 80 mEq/L may be used for some patients. KCl can cause inflammation of peripheral
veins, but it can be administered by this route.
9. A postoperative patient who has been receiving nasogastric suction for 3 days has a serum sodium
level of 125 mEq/L (125 mmol/L). Which of these prescribed therapies that the patient has been
receiving should the nurse question?
a.
Infuse 5% dextrose in water at 125 ml/hr.
b.
Administer IV morphine sulfate 4 mg every 2 hours PRN.
c.
Give IV metoclopramide (Reglan) 10 mg every 6 hours PRN for nausea.
,d.
Administer 3% saline if serum sodium drops to less than 128 mEq/L. - ✔✔answer Infuse 5% dextrose in
water at 125 ml/hr.
Rationale: Because the patients gastric suction has been depleting electrolytes, the IV solution should
include electrolyte replacement. Solutions such as lactated Ringers solution would usually be ordered
for this patient. The other orders are appropriate for a postoperative patient with gastric suction.
10. A patient who has required prolonged mechanical ventilation has the following arterial blood gas
results: pH 7.48, PaO2 85 mm Hg, PaCO2 32 mm Hg, and HCO3 25 mEq/L. The nurse interprets these
results as
a.
metabolic acidosis.
b.
metabolic alkalosis.
c.
respiratory acidosis.
d.
respiratory alkalosis. - ✔✔answer respiratory alkalosis
Rationale: The pH indicates that the patient has alkalosis and the low PaCO2 indicates a respiratory
cause. The other responses are incorrect based on the pH and the normal HCO3.
, 11. The nurse notes that a patient who was admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis has rapid, deep
respirations. Which action should the nurse take?
a.
Notify the patients health care provider.
b.
Give the prescribed PRN lorazepam (Ativan).
c.
Start the prescribed PRN oxygen at 2 to 4 L/min.
d.
Encourage the patient to take deep, slow breaths. - ✔✔answer Notify the patients health care provider.
Rationale: The rapid, deep (Kussmaul) respirations indicate a metabolic acidosis and the need for actions
such as administration of sodium bicarbonate, which will require a prescription by the health care
provider. Oxygen therapy is not indicated because there is no indication that the increased respiratory
rate is related to hypoxemia. The respiratory pattern is compensatory, and the patient will not be able
to slow the respiratory rate. Ativan administration will slow the respiratory rate and increase the level of
acidosis.
12. The home health nurse notes that an elderly patient has a low serum protein level. The nurse will
plan to assess for
a.
medical surgical
testbank questions and
answers 2025/2026
latest update 100%
verified
USER
STUVIA
,Exam 1 -
Chapter 17: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Imbalances ---
1. The nurse obtains all of the following assessment data about a patient with deficient fluid volume
caused by a massive burn injury. Which of the following assessment data will be of greatest concern?
a.
The blood pressure is 90/40 mm Hg.
b.
Urine output is 30 ml over the last hour.
c.
Oral fluid intake is 100 ml for the last 8 hours.
d.
There is prolonged skin tenting over the sternum. - ✔✔answer The blood pressure is 90/40 mm Hg.
Rationale: The blood pressure indicates that the patient may be developing hypovolemic shock as a
result of fluid loss. This will require immediate intervention to prevent the complications associated with
systemic hypoperfusion. The poor oral intake, decreased urine output, and skin tenting all indicate the
need for increasing the patients fluid intake but not as urgently as the hypotension.
2. A recently admitted patient has a small cell carcinoma of the lung, which is causing the syndrome of
inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). The nurse will monitor carefully for
,a.
increased total urinary output.
b.
elevation of serum hematocrit.
c.
decreased serum sodium level.
d.
rapid and unexpected weight loss. - ✔✔answer decreased serum sodium level.
Rationale: SIADH causes water retention and a decrease in serum sodium level. Weight loss, increased
urine output, and elevated serum hematocrit may be associated with excessive loss of water, but not
with SIADH and water retention.
3. When the nurse is evaluating the fluid balance for a patient admitted for hypovolemia associated with
multiple draining wounds, the most accurate assessment to include is
a.
skin turgor.
b.
,daily weight.
c.
presence of edema.
d.
hourly urine output. - ✔✔answer daily weight.
Rationale: Daily weight is the most easily obtained and accurate means of assessing volume status. Skin
turgor varies considerably with age. Considerable excess fluid volume may be present before fluid
moves into the interstitial space and causes edema. Hourly urine outputs do not take account of fluid
intake or of fluid loss through insensible loss, sweating, or loss from the gastrointestinal tract or wounds.
4. When caring for an alert and oriented elderly patient with a history of dehydration, the home health
nurse will teach the patient to increase fluid intake
a.
in the late evening hours.
b.
if the oral mucosa feels dry.
c.
when the patient feels thirsty.
,d.
as soon as changes in level of consciousness (LOC) occur. - ✔✔answer if the oral mucosa feels dry.
Rationale: An alert, elderly patient will be able to self-assess for signs of oral dryness such as thick oral
secretions or dry-appearing mucosa. The thirst mechanism decreases with age and is not an accurate
indicator of volume depletion. Many older patients prefer to restrict fluids slightly in the evening to
improve sleep quality. The patient will not be likely to notice and act appropriately when changes in LOC
occur.
5. A patient is taking a potassium-wasting diuretic for treatment of hypertension. The nurse will teach
the patient to report symptoms of adverse effects such as
a.
personality changes.
b.
frequent loose stools.
c.
facial muscle spasms.
d.
generalized weakness. - ✔✔answer generalized weakness.
Rationale: Generalized weakness progressing to flaccidity is a manifestation of hypokalemia. Facial
muscle spasms might occur with hypocalcemia. Loose stools are associated with hyperkalemia.
,Personality changes are not associated with electrolyte disturbances, although changes in mental status
are common manifestations with sodium excess or deficit.
6. Spironolactone (Aldactone), an aldosterone antagonist, is prescribed for a patient as a diuretic. Which
statement by the patient indicates that the teaching about this medication has been effective?
a.
I will try to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.
b.
I will use a salt substitute to decrease my sodium intake.
c.
I will increase my intake of potassium-containing foods.
d.
I will drink apple juice instead of orange juice for breakfast. - ✔✔answer I will drink apple juice instead
of orange juice for breakfast.
Rationale: Since spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, patients should be taught to choose low
potassium foods such as apple juice rather than foods that have higher levels of potassium, such as
citrus fruits. Because the patient is using spironolactone as a diuretic, the nurse would not encourage
the patient to increase fluid intake. Teach patients to avoid salt substitutes, which are high in potassium.
7. When caring for a patient admitted with hyponatremia, which actions will the nurse anticipate
taking?
,a.
Restrict patients oral free water intake.
b.
Avoid use of electrolyte-containing drinks.
c.
Infuse a solution of 5% dextrose in 0.45% saline.
d.
Administer vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, [ADH]). - ✔✔answer Restrict patients oral free water
intake.
Rationale: To help improve serum sodium levels, water intake is restricted. Electrolyte-containing
beverages will improve the patients sodium level. Administration of vasopressin or hypotonic IV
solutions will decrease the serum sodium level further.
8. Intravenous potassium chloride (KCl) 60 mEq is prescribed for treatment of a patient with severe
hypokalemia. Which action should the nurse take?
a.
Administer the KCl as a rapid IV bolus.
b.
,Infuse the KCl at a rate of 20 mEq/hour.
c.
Give the KCl only through a central venous line.
d.
Add no more than 40 mEq/L to a liter of IV fluid. - ✔✔answer Infuse the KCl at a rate of 20 mEq/hour.
Rationale: Intravenous KCl is administered at a maximal rate of 20 mEq/hr. Rapid IV infusion of KCl can
cause cardiac arrest. Although the preferred concentration for KCl is no more than 40 mEq/L,
concentrations up to 80 mEq/L may be used for some patients. KCl can cause inflammation of peripheral
veins, but it can be administered by this route.
9. A postoperative patient who has been receiving nasogastric suction for 3 days has a serum sodium
level of 125 mEq/L (125 mmol/L). Which of these prescribed therapies that the patient has been
receiving should the nurse question?
a.
Infuse 5% dextrose in water at 125 ml/hr.
b.
Administer IV morphine sulfate 4 mg every 2 hours PRN.
c.
Give IV metoclopramide (Reglan) 10 mg every 6 hours PRN for nausea.
,d.
Administer 3% saline if serum sodium drops to less than 128 mEq/L. - ✔✔answer Infuse 5% dextrose in
water at 125 ml/hr.
Rationale: Because the patients gastric suction has been depleting electrolytes, the IV solution should
include electrolyte replacement. Solutions such as lactated Ringers solution would usually be ordered
for this patient. The other orders are appropriate for a postoperative patient with gastric suction.
10. A patient who has required prolonged mechanical ventilation has the following arterial blood gas
results: pH 7.48, PaO2 85 mm Hg, PaCO2 32 mm Hg, and HCO3 25 mEq/L. The nurse interprets these
results as
a.
metabolic acidosis.
b.
metabolic alkalosis.
c.
respiratory acidosis.
d.
respiratory alkalosis. - ✔✔answer respiratory alkalosis
Rationale: The pH indicates that the patient has alkalosis and the low PaCO2 indicates a respiratory
cause. The other responses are incorrect based on the pH and the normal HCO3.
, 11. The nurse notes that a patient who was admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis has rapid, deep
respirations. Which action should the nurse take?
a.
Notify the patients health care provider.
b.
Give the prescribed PRN lorazepam (Ativan).
c.
Start the prescribed PRN oxygen at 2 to 4 L/min.
d.
Encourage the patient to take deep, slow breaths. - ✔✔answer Notify the patients health care provider.
Rationale: The rapid, deep (Kussmaul) respirations indicate a metabolic acidosis and the need for actions
such as administration of sodium bicarbonate, which will require a prescription by the health care
provider. Oxygen therapy is not indicated because there is no indication that the increased respiratory
rate is related to hypoxemia. The respiratory pattern is compensatory, and the patient will not be able
to slow the respiratory rate. Ativan administration will slow the respiratory rate and increase the level of
acidosis.
12. The home health nurse notes that an elderly patient has a low serum protein level. The nurse will
plan to assess for
a.
