1
ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE NURSING EXAM –
SODIUM, POTASSIUM & CALCIUM DISORDERS
2026-27 LATEST VERSION
Exam Structure
• Title: Electrolyte Imbalance Nursing Exam – Sodium, Potassium & Calcium Disorders
• Total Questions: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Time Allowed: 2 hours
• Passing Score: 75%
Sections & Distribution:
1. Sodium Imbalances (Hyponatremia & Hypernatremia) – 30 questions
2. Potassium Imbalances (Hypokalemia & Hyperkalemia) – 30 questions
3. Calcium Imbalances (Hypocalcemia & Hypercalcemia) – 30 questions
4. Advanced Clinical Scenarios & Nursing Interventions – 10 questions
Question Type: Multiple Choice (A–D)
Difficulty: Mixed – knowledge-based, application, and scenario-based reflecting real patient care.
Exam Introduction
Purpose:
This exam evaluates a nurse’s ability to recognize, assess, and manage common electrolyte imbalances, focusing
on sodium, potassium, and calcium disorders. Emphasis is on clinical manifestations, laboratory interpretation,
nursing interventions, and patient safety.
Content Areas Covered:
• Etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical signs of hyponatremia, hypernatremia, hypokalemia,
hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, and hypercalcemia
• Nursing assessment, including vital signs, neuromuscular, cardiac, and neurological findings
• Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management
• Nursing interventions, patient education, and prevention of complications
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Instructions:
1. Read each question carefully and choose the best answer (A, B, C, or D).
2. Each question carries 1 point; total 100 points.
3. Complete the exam within 2 hours.
4. Answers and rationales are provided for self-assessment and learning reinforcement.
Learning Outcome:
Demonstrates proficiency in electrolyte assessment, recognition of life-threatening imbalances, and evidence-
based nursing interventions, ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes.
Section 1: Sodium Imbalances (Questions 1–30)
Q1. Normal serum sodium range is:
A. 135–145 mEq/L
B. 120–130 mEq/L
C. 150–160 mEq/L
D. 100–110 mEq/L
Answer: A
Rationale:
Normal sodium is 135–145 mEq/L. Values outside this range
indicate hyponatremia or hypernatremia.
Q2. Hyponatremia is defined as a serum sodium level below:
A. 135 mEq/L
B. 145 mEq/L
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C. 125 mEq/L
D. 150 mEq/L
Answer: A
Rationale:
Hyponatremia occurs when sodium is <135 mEq/L, potentially
causing neurologic and fluid imbalance symptoms.
Q3. Hypernatremia is defined as:
A. Serum sodium >145 mEq/L
B. Serum sodium <135 mEq/L
C. Potassium >5 mEq/L
D. Calcium <8.5 mg/dL
Answer: A
Rationale:
Hypernatremia occurs when sodium >145 mEq/L, often related
to water loss or sodium gain.
Q4. Early neurologic signs of hyponatremia may include:
A. Confusion, headache, lethargy
B. Hyperactivity
C. Muscle rigidity
D. Hypertension only
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Answer: A
Rationale:
Hyponatremia causes cellular swelling in the brain, leading to
neurologic symptoms like confusion, headache, and lethargy.
Q5. Severe hyponatremia may lead to:
A. Seizures and coma
B. Tachycardia only
C. Muscle cramps only
D. Hypotension only
Answer: A
Rationale:
Severe sodium deficiency can cause cerebral edema, leading to
seizures or coma.
Q6. Common causes of hyponatremia include:
A. Diuretics, SIADH, excessive water intake
B. Excessive salt intake
C. Hyperaldosteronism only
D. Hypoparathyroidism only
Answer: A
ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE NURSING EXAM –
SODIUM, POTASSIUM & CALCIUM DISORDERS
2026-27 LATEST VERSION
Exam Structure
• Title: Electrolyte Imbalance Nursing Exam – Sodium, Potassium & Calcium Disorders
• Total Questions: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Time Allowed: 2 hours
• Passing Score: 75%
Sections & Distribution:
1. Sodium Imbalances (Hyponatremia & Hypernatremia) – 30 questions
2. Potassium Imbalances (Hypokalemia & Hyperkalemia) – 30 questions
3. Calcium Imbalances (Hypocalcemia & Hypercalcemia) – 30 questions
4. Advanced Clinical Scenarios & Nursing Interventions – 10 questions
Question Type: Multiple Choice (A–D)
Difficulty: Mixed – knowledge-based, application, and scenario-based reflecting real patient care.
Exam Introduction
Purpose:
This exam evaluates a nurse’s ability to recognize, assess, and manage common electrolyte imbalances, focusing
on sodium, potassium, and calcium disorders. Emphasis is on clinical manifestations, laboratory interpretation,
nursing interventions, and patient safety.
Content Areas Covered:
• Etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical signs of hyponatremia, hypernatremia, hypokalemia,
hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, and hypercalcemia
• Nursing assessment, including vital signs, neuromuscular, cardiac, and neurological findings
• Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management
• Nursing interventions, patient education, and prevention of complications
,2
Instructions:
1. Read each question carefully and choose the best answer (A, B, C, or D).
2. Each question carries 1 point; total 100 points.
3. Complete the exam within 2 hours.
4. Answers and rationales are provided for self-assessment and learning reinforcement.
Learning Outcome:
Demonstrates proficiency in electrolyte assessment, recognition of life-threatening imbalances, and evidence-
based nursing interventions, ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes.
Section 1: Sodium Imbalances (Questions 1–30)
Q1. Normal serum sodium range is:
A. 135–145 mEq/L
B. 120–130 mEq/L
C. 150–160 mEq/L
D. 100–110 mEq/L
Answer: A
Rationale:
Normal sodium is 135–145 mEq/L. Values outside this range
indicate hyponatremia or hypernatremia.
Q2. Hyponatremia is defined as a serum sodium level below:
A. 135 mEq/L
B. 145 mEq/L
,3
C. 125 mEq/L
D. 150 mEq/L
Answer: A
Rationale:
Hyponatremia occurs when sodium is <135 mEq/L, potentially
causing neurologic and fluid imbalance symptoms.
Q3. Hypernatremia is defined as:
A. Serum sodium >145 mEq/L
B. Serum sodium <135 mEq/L
C. Potassium >5 mEq/L
D. Calcium <8.5 mg/dL
Answer: A
Rationale:
Hypernatremia occurs when sodium >145 mEq/L, often related
to water loss or sodium gain.
Q4. Early neurologic signs of hyponatremia may include:
A. Confusion, headache, lethargy
B. Hyperactivity
C. Muscle rigidity
D. Hypertension only
, 4
Answer: A
Rationale:
Hyponatremia causes cellular swelling in the brain, leading to
neurologic symptoms like confusion, headache, and lethargy.
Q5. Severe hyponatremia may lead to:
A. Seizures and coma
B. Tachycardia only
C. Muscle cramps only
D. Hypotension only
Answer: A
Rationale:
Severe sodium deficiency can cause cerebral edema, leading to
seizures or coma.
Q6. Common causes of hyponatremia include:
A. Diuretics, SIADH, excessive water intake
B. Excessive salt intake
C. Hyperaldosteronism only
D. Hypoparathyroidism only
Answer: A
